This Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy establishes principles that govern our conduct in order to: a) conform to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and similar anti-corruption laws worldwide and b) more broadly, reinforce our intention and obligation to act honestly and ethically in all of our business dealings. This policy applies to all employees, including those of wholly and majority-owned entities of CITYDATA, Inc. People want to work with companies they can trust. CITYDATA has built a strong reputation for being an ethical, trustworthy company. Each of us has a responsibility to protect that reputation by demonstrating honesty and integrity as we interact with customers, business partners and each other.
Bribery and corruption are not only against our Company values; they are illegal and can expose both the employee and the Company to fines and penalties, including imprisonment and reputational damage. At CITYDATA, bribery is never permitted. We will not seek to influence others, either directly or indirectly, by offering, paying or receiving bribes or kickbacks, or by any other means that is considered unethical, illegal or harmful to our reputation for honesty and integrity. Employees and representatives of the Company are expected to decline any opportunity which would place our ethical principles and reputation at risk. While certain laws apply only to bribes to government officials (domestic and foreign); this Policy applies to non-government business partners as well.
Bribery is offering, giving or receiving anything of value with the intention of inducing a person to act or to reward a person for having acted. It is important to understand that a corrupt act has occurred even if: (i) A bribe does not succeed. (ii) A person authorizes or provides direction for a bribe, but no bribe is ultimately offered or paid. "Anything of value#2 includes, but is not limited to:
Companies cannot avoid liability by using a third party to give or receive a bribe. A third party includes, but is not limited to consultants, agents, representatives, subcontractors and subadvisors. We must clearly convey to third parties representing the Company that we expect them to comply with our Bribery and Corruption Policy. In some jurisdictions, the Company can be convicted of a criminal offense if it fails to prevent bribery carried out on its behalf by a third party even if no one in the Company had actual knowledge of the bribe.
Laws and regulations are strict when dealing with Government Officials. Reasonable corporate hospitality that is acceptable with other business associates might not be allowable when Government Officials are involved. A Government Official is any:
The definition of what could constitute a bribe to a Government Official is broad and can occur even when the benefit being offered is small, such as gifts, entertainment and even business meals. Some laws allow expenses which relate to reasonable and bona fide travel, accommodation and meal expenses in connection with a contract between the Company and the third party, or the demonstration of Company capabilities relating to proposed business with the third party.
"Facilitation or grease payments#2 are payments that facilitate a normal governmental function, such as to expedite processing paperwork. While these types of payments may be accepted as "a cost of doing business#2 in some cultures, they are illegal and counter to our values. They are not allowed under the UK Bribery Act and they are prohibited by this policy.
Employees and representatives should seek clarification on any questions or concerns regarding activities under consideration or the interpretation of any law. If you are offered a bribe from a person or entity doing business with or seeking to do business with the Company, report it immediately to compliance@citydata.ai. If you are offered something of value and are uncertain whether you are allowed to accept it, refer to the gift & entertainment policy and standards applicable to your location, or check with your business leader.