Company Directory - Sony Music
Company Details - Sony Music
Sony Music
WebsiteA global music company that is part of Sony Corporation, known for producing and distributing music.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Sony Music
-17.90
0.01%
Latest Event
Sony Music Entertainment PAC Contributions in 2023-2024 Cycle
OpenSecrets data shows that Sony Music Entertainment raised $32,499 through its PAC during the 2023-2024 election cycle. This reflects the company's involvement in political financing and its participation in a transparent process, without explicit evidence of support for authoritarian agendas.
Take Action
So what can you do? It's time to make tough choices. Where will you cast your vote?
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
ENABLER
Sony Music is currently rated as an Enabler.
Latest Events
- APR032025
OpenSecrets data shows that Sony Music Entertainment raised $32,499 through its PAC during the 2023-2024 election cycle. This reflects the company's involvement in political financing and its participation in a transparent process, without explicit evidence of support for authoritarian agendas.
+15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 4
The PAC contribution, while modest, indicates active participation in the political process through transparent financial channels. Given the modest scale, there is no clear evidence that these funds promote far-right or authoritarian interests, and the disclosure supports democratic transparency.
- FEB202025
Sony Music detailed its commitment to human rights by stating that if a supplier is found to engage in forced labor, corrective measures including termination of the business relationship will be implemented. The company emphasized regular assessments under its Supply Chain Code of Conduct and collaboration with government authorities to investigate allegations at a Malaysian supplier involving Bangladeshi workers.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
Sony's proactive stance on labor rights, emphasizing adherence to international standards and committing to corrective actions against forced labor practices, reflects a strong and positive approach to labor relations and human rights practices.
Sony response to allegations of labour rights abuse of Bangladeshi workers at Malaysian supplier
+70
Supply Chain Ethics
April 3
By enforcing a strict Supply Chain Code of Conduct and committing to terminate relationships with suppliers involved in forced labor, Sony demonstrates robust measures in ensuring responsible sourcing and supply chain ethics.
Sony response to allegations of labour rights abuse of Bangladeshi workers at Malaysian supplier
- OCT182024
Sony admitted through an internal audit that a Malaysian contractor supplying plastic components for its electronic products likely violated its supply chain code of conduct, raising concerns over forced labour practices.
-60
Supply Chain Ethics
April 3
Sony's internal on-site audit of its Malaysian supplier revealed probable breaches of its supply chain code, including allegations of forced labour practices. This incident highlights significant shortcomings in supplier monitoring and enforcement of labor rights, undermining the company's stated commitment to ethical sourcing.
Sony admits own audit found probable labour code violation by Malaysian contractor
- OCT182024
Sony’s audit of its Malaysian contractor, Kawaguchi Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, revealed breaches of its supply chain code of conduct including forced labor practices and non-payment of wages for over 200 Bangladeshi workers. In response, Sony has mandated immediate corrective actions and committed to ongoing monitoring of the situation.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The audit uncovered alarming labor rights violations including forced labor, unpaid wages, and exploitative working conditions that severely undermine workers' rights and human dignity, reflecting a serious ethical breach in Sony’s supply chain management.
-70
Supply Chain Ethics
April 3
The audit indicated significant breaches in Sony's supply chain ethics, with the contractor failing to comply with established codes that prohibit forced labor and other exploitative practices, thereby compromising ethical sourcing standards.
- MAY162024
On May 16, 2024, Sony Music Group sent letters to 700 artificial intelligence developers and music streaming services, warning them against using its artists' music for AI training without authorization. The move is aimed at protecting copyright, artists' rights, and ensuring that advances in AI do not come at the expense of creative labor.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
April 3
Sony Music's public action of sending letters to AI companies reflects a clear stance in defending artists' rights and cultural labor. The move challenges dominant tech practices by demanding accountability and respecting intellectual property, which supports a progressive, anti-authoritarian agenda.
Sony Music warns tech companies: Don’t use our music to train your AI
+70
Technology and Services Impact
April 3
The company's decision to restrict the use of its musical content in AI training signals a strong commitment to ethical technology practices. By demanding transparency and authorization from tech companies like OpenAI and Google, Sony Music supports the protection of creative works against unchecked technological appropriation, aligning with broader anti-authoritarian principles.
Sony Music warns tech companies: Don’t use our music to train your AI
- MAY162024
Sony Music Group has sent formal letters to over 700 generative AI companies and streaming platforms, warning them not to use its copyrighted content without explicit licensing. The letters demand that companies either confirm non-use or detail how SMG content has been used in AI training, emphasizing the need to protect the rights and fair compensation of its artists.
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 3
This action demonstrates a proactive business practice where Sony Music Group is enforcing its licensing agreements to safeguard intellectual property and ensure that artists receive fair compensation. This protective measure aligns with ethical business practices by securing the rights and welfare of creative talent.
Sony Music Group warns more than 700 companies against using its content to train AI
+60
Technology and Services Impact
April 3
By warning companies against unauthorized AI training on its content, Sony Music Group is influencing the ethical landscape of technological innovation. The move promotes responsible AI development that respects intellectual property and the rights of content creators, thereby strengthening the framework for digital creativity.
Sony Music Group warns more than 700 companies against using its content to train AI
- DEC312023
The OpenSecrets profile reveals that Sony Corp spent approximately $2,958,670 on lobbying in 2023, including a notable $1,230,000 attributed to Sony Music Entertainment. This spending raises concerns about the influence of corporate money on political processes.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
The substantial lobbying expenditure, as detailed in the OpenSecrets profile, indicates an active effort by Sony Corp to shape political agendas through corporate spending. From an anti-fascist perspective, such spending can contribute to an imbalance in political influence that favors corporate interests over democratic accountability, thereby raising concerns about potential support for authoritarian-leaning policies.
- JAN012023
Sony Music Entertainment PAC contributed $28,000 to federal candidates during the 2023-2024 election cycle, reflecting corporate political engagement.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
The contribution of $28,000 via the PAC suggests that Sony Music is engaging in political financing that can potentially influence federal policy decisions in favor of corporate interests, which is viewed negatively when assessing corporate complicity in exerting undue political influence.
Sony Music Entertainment PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates
- JUN282021
Reports indicate that multiple former employees of Sony Music Australia have leveled allegations of a toxic workplace environment, including sexual misconduct and harassment. High-ranking executives, including former CEO Denis Handlin and VP Tony Glover, are implicated, and a potential class-action lawsuit is being considered as investigations continue.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The article details persistent allegations of toxic workplace practices, sexual misconduct, and a failure by HR to address harassment claims at Sony Music Australia. These issues highlight significant labor rights violations and improper treatment of employees, contributing to an authoritarian, oppressive workplace culture.
Sony Music Australia Faces Possible Lawsuit From Former Employees
- JUN222021
Following 20 years of allegations including sexual harassment, racism, intimidation, and unfair treatment of women, Sony Music Australia removed longtime head Denis Handlin amid claims of a pervasive toxic work culture.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The allegations at Sony Music Australia expose a longstanding pattern of sexual harassment, racism, and intimidation that have negatively impacted workers and marginalized groups. This toxic workplace environment reflects severe shortcomings in labor relations and ethical responsibility, showcasing an authoritarian disregard for employee rights.
- JUN212021
Twenty former employees have come forward with extensive allegations of a toxic and abusive workplace culture at Sony Music Australia. The complaints detail persistent issues including sexual harassment, discriminatory treatment of women, forced alcohol consumption, and intimidating behavior by senior management during Denis Handlin's tenure. These incidents, spanning two decades, underscore systemic failures in ensuring worker safety and respect.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The detailed allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, forced drinking, and discriminatory practices clearly indicate a hostile work environment that violates labor rights and compromises the safety and dignity of employees. Such behavior reflects deeply entrenched abuses of power and an oppressive management culture, warranting a strongly negative score in the labor relations and human rights practices category.
- JUN122021
Multiple allegations of discrimination, bullying, and sexual misconduct within Sony Music Australia have prompted an investigation by the global HR head, following complaints from current and former employees. The account details harassment at various levels, including inappropriate behavior during performance reviews and incidents of sexual assault, alongside reports of discriminatory practices against female employees.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
The article presents multiple, detailed allegations of harassment, sexism, and discriminatory practices at Sony Music Australia. Such claims, including sexual harassment by senior managers and systematic undermining of women in the workplace, indicate a serious failure in protecting employee rights and fostering an inclusive environment. This behavior is antithetical to anti-fascist, worker-protective practices, and thus a strongly negative rating in the labor relations and human rights domain.
BREAKING: More alleged harassment & sexism claims at Sony Music Australia
- AUG082016
Sony Music is accused of lobbying at the US Copyright Royalty Board proceedings in a bid to lower mechanical royalty rates paid to American songwriters. The initiative, criticized by key industry figures including the NSAI and NMPA, has raised concerns over fair compensation for creative workers and the company’s broader commitment to supporting songwriters.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 3
Sony Music’s active lobbying in CRB proceedings appears aimed at reducing the royalty rates for American songwriters. This move, which has drawn sharp criticism from industry representatives like the NSAI and NMPA, undermines fair economic returns for creative workers and contributes to an authoritarian corporate influence over public policy.
Sony Music accused of ‘attacking American songwriters’ with US lobbying effort
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 3
Sony Music’s lobbying effort is seen as devaluing the contributions of songwriters by proposing measures that could reduce their already meager streaming royalties. This approach not only undermines fair compensation but also reflects a broader disregard for the rights and welfare of creative professionals.
Sony Music accused of ‘attacking American songwriters’ with US lobbying effort
Alternatives
New York City, United States
20.44
Santa Monica, United States
20.61
Corporation
-8.91
Noida, India
37.01
Stockholm, Sweden
6.36
Santa Monica, United States
45.82
Hollywood, USA
0.00
New York City, United States
-52.01
Corporation
31.36
Corporation
0.00
Industries
- 711130
- Musical Groups and Artists
- 511199
- All Other Publishers
- 512210
- Record Production
- 512299
- All Other Sound Recording Industries