Code of conduct

This Code of Conduct (the “Code”) applies to Kognic AB, registered in Sweden with corporate organisation number 559145-9960 (“Kognic”, “we” or “us”).

Kognic commits to the requirements set out in this Code.

As far as reasonably possible, and to the extent within Kognic’s control, Kognic shall also ensure that the requirements are fulfilled by Kognic’s subcontractors (including subcontractors to these suppliers, and so on down the supply chain) that directly or indirectly are being used when Kognic provides services to its customers. Suppliers to Kognic shall thus also commit to the requirements in this Code, and shall as far as reasonably possible, and to the extent within suppliers control, also ensure that the requirements are fulfilled by the suppliers subcontractors (including subcontractors to these suppliers, and so on down the supply chain) that directly or indirectly are being used when the supplier provides goods or services to Kognic.

Why do we have a Code of Conduct?

Kognic's mission is to make cars pass their vision test and one integral part of this mission is the workforce providing the labeled data to make this a reality. In addition to our technology platform, we offer access to our own trusted workforce and that of our partners.

Quality for Kognic means that data is processed in a way that is environmentally and socially sustainable. We have a responsibility towards everyone who contributes to our success. We are therefore committed to working closely with our suppliers and business partners to achieve sustainable social and environmental standards. Kognic will always do whatever we can to conduct our business ethically and in compliance with the law. We want to conduct all of our business in compliance with the Code. 

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Code means ensuring that goods and services supplied are consistent with, at a minimum:

• UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948, (see www.un.org);
• UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 32 (see www.un.org);
• The Ten Principles of the UN’s Global Compact (see www.unglobalcompact.org);
• The ILO eight fundamental Conventions, No. 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111, 138 and 182 (see www.ilo.org);
• The occupational safety rules and work environment legislation applicable in the country of establishment;
• The labour law, including if applicable legislation on minimum wage, and social insurance coverage applicable in the country of establishment.

Kognic and its suppliers shall support and respect internationally recognized human rights and ensure that Kognic and its suppliers neither directly nor indirectly participate in violations of human rights.

If the applicable law in the country of establishment is stricter than what follows from ILO’s eight fundamental Conventions, UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child or UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948, Kognic and its suppliers shall adhere to the national legislation.

In addition, Kognic requires the following.

2. WORKERS' RIGHTS

2.1 Employee feedback. All employees should have the possibility to give feedback and have a chance to lift issues regarding their work situation. The employer has the responsibility to make sure that any decision that directly or indirectly affects the employees is communicated before the decision is made. 

2.2. Working time and salaries. Kognic generally expects 80% or a minimum 30 hours of active annotation hours per employee per week. Active annotation work per employee must never exceed 40 hours per week. Ordinary working hours should not exceed 45 hours per week. Kognic and its suppliers shall pay wages directly to the employees, at agreed times and in full. Pay deduction as a disciplinary measure is not allowed.

Annotator hourly rate must be at least 30% of hourly rate paid by Kognic or the local minimum wage, whichever is higher.

Annotators and other employees at BPOs must not be prohibited from starting, organising or joining an existing or new union or in other ways be prohibited from democratically working for better working conditions. BPOs must never actively take action against unionisation of employees.

2.3. Monitoring. Kognic allows tracking of working time as a means to ensure that expectations on working time are met. Kognic does not allow suppliers or business partners to use invasive monitoring that violates the personal integrity of workers.

3. ENVIRONMENT AND BUSINESS ETHICS

3.1 Environment. Kognic and its suppliers shall strive towards, as far as possible, minimizing energy consumption and resource consumption as waste and emissions to land, air and water. National environmental legislation in the country of establishment shall always be adhered to.

3.2 Business Ethics. Kognic and its suppliers may not engage in any corruption, bribery or money laundry and shall proactively work to prevent all forms of corruption. National legislation in the country of establishment shall always be adhered to.

4. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND PERSONAL DATA

4.1. Protect data, guidelines, and other sensitive information. Kognic and its suppliers are obliged to protect and keep confidential information that Kognic or its customer considers confidential. All material received from Kognic is considered confidential if nothing else is stated. Never post confidential information online or on social media. Do not discuss confidential information in public places or leave confidential material unattended, even in the office.

4.2. Personal information. The “Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC”, is applicable upon Kognic and the personal data handled by Kognic. Kognic and its suppliers shall when entrusted with personal information, safeguard it and take appropriate steps to protect it from misuse. Kognic and its suppliers observe all applicable privacy laws when we collect, use, and share personal information about individuals.

5. MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

5.1. Transparency and Co-operation. Kognic expects all its suppliers and other business partners to respect this Code and to actively do their utmost to achieve our standards. We also expect our suppliers and other business partners to be transparent and not intentionally mislead us. We believe in co-operation and we are willing to work with our suppliers and other business partners to achieve sustainable solutions and to promote suppliers and other business partners who comply.

5.2 Monitoring. All suppliers and other business partners are obliged to keep Kognic informed at all times of where each product or service is being produced, including subcontracting. Relevant documentation must be maintained for auditing purposes. Kognic reserves the right to, itself or through appointing an independent third party, conduct audits to evaluate compliance with the Code.

5.3 Breach. A breach of the Code shall always be deemed a material breach of the parties agreement and may thus lead to cancellation or immediate termination thereof.