Organizational Profile

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-1

Complete

Report the name of the organization

Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

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102-2

Complete

Report the primary activities, brands, products and services

IPG operates in all major world markets – our companies specialize in consumer advertising, digital marketing, communications planning and media buying, public relations and specialized communications disciplines.

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102-3

Complete

Report the location of the organization's headquarters

909 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022

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102-4

Complete

Report the number of countries where the organization operates, and names of countries where either the organization has significant operations or that are specifically relevant to the sustainability topics covered in the report

IPG is a global company with offices in over 100 countries.

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102-5

Complete

Report the nature of ownership and legal form

IPG is a publicly traded company.

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102-6

Complete

Report the markets served (including geographic breakdown, sectors served, and types of customers and beneficiaries).

We are one of the world’s premier global advertising and marketing services companies.

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102-7

Complete

Report the scale of the organization, including: total number of employees, total number of operations, net sales or net revenues, total capitalization broken down in terms of debt and equity, quantity of products or services provided

IPG is a global company with employees and operations in more than 100 countries.

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102-8

Partial

a. Report the total number of employees by employment contract and gender. b. Report the total number of permanent employees by employment type and gender. c. Report the total workforce by employees and supervised workers and by gender d. Report the total workforce by region and gender. e. Report whether a substantial portion of the organization’s work is performed by workers who are legally recognized as self-employed, or by individuals other than employees or supervised workers, including employees and supervised employees of contractors. f. Report any significant variations in employment numbers (such as seasonal variations in employment in the tourism or agricultural industries).

Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.

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Principle 6:
Labour

102-9

Complete

Describe the organization’s supply chain.

Understanding and Monitoring the Conduct and Impact of our Supply Chain

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102-10

Complete

Report any significant changes during the reporting period regarding the organization’s size, structure, ownership, or its supply chain, including: Changes in the location of, or changes in, operations, including facility openings, closings, and expansions Changes in the share capital structure and other capital formation, maintenance, and alteration operations (for private sector organizations) Changes in the location of suppliers, the structure of the supply chain, or in relationships with suppliers, including selection and termination

There have been no significant changes during the reporting period in IPG's size, structure, ownership, or supply chain.

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102-11

Complete

Report whether and how the precautionary approach or principle is addressed by the organization

The precautionary approach generally applies to manufacturing, rather than service companies. Since IPG is a provider of marketing services, we do not consider the precautionary approach.

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102-12

Complete

List externally developed economic, environmental and social charters, principles or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or which it endorses

IPG is committed to good corporate citizenship.

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102-13

Complete

List memberships of associations and national or international advocacy organizations to which the organization holds a position on the governance body, participates in projects or committees, provides substantive funding beyond routine membership dues, views membership as strategic

IPG takes its role as a corporate citizen seriously. This includes membership and leadership roles in trade associations as well as community organizations that impact the lives of communities where our employees live and work.

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Strategy

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-14

Complete

Provide a statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization about the relevance of sustainability to the organization and the organization's strategy for addressing sustainability

Message from Philippe Krakowsky, CEO Interpublic and Michael Roth, Executive Chairman, Interpublic

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Ethics and Integrity

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-16

Complete

Describe the organization's values, principles, standards and norms of behavior such as codes of conduct and codes of ethics

Interpublic’s Code of Conduct forms the foundation of how we interact with one another, with our vendors and with our clients. It helps ensure that we operate ethically and transparently as we perform our jobs.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

102-17

Complete

Mechanisms for Advice and Concerns about Ethics

If violations of IPG's ethical standards are suspected, we strongly encourage all IPG employees, contractors, suppliers, clients, business partners, as well as all other stakeholders, to utilize our publicly available grievance mechanisms.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Governance

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-18

Complete

Report the governance structure of the organization, including committees of the highest governance body. Identify any committees responsible for decision-making on economic, environmental and social impacts

Our Proxy Statement provides detailed information on our governance structure.

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Stakeholder Engagement

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-40

Complete

Provide a list of stakeholder groups engaged by the organization

Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43

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102-41

Complete

Report the percentage of total employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.

The percentage of IPG employees covered by collective bargaining is zero – 0 percent.

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102-42

Complete

Report the basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage.

Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

102-43

Complete

Report the organization’s approach to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group, and an indication of whether any of the engagement was undertaken specifically as part of the report preparation process.

Note this response will be cross-referenced for Disclosures 102-40,102-42 and 102-43

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

102-44

Partial

Report key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organization has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting. Report the stakeholder groups that raised each of the key topics and concerns.

Sustainability is a key priority for IPG as it is for our stakeholders, including employees, clients and shareholders.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Reporting Practice

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

102-45

Complete

List all entities included in the organization’s consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents. Report whether any entity included in the organization’s consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents is not covered by the report. The organization can report on this Standard Disclosure by referencing the information in publicly available consolidated financial statements or equivalent documents.

Please see Part 1 - Item 1, Business, Page 2 of IPG 10K, which can be accessed at the following link: https://investors.interpublic.com/static-files/57ce2438-64d3-4728-bbe3-7cb37a9ea9e8

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102-46

Partial

a .Explain the process for defining the report content and the Aspect Boundaries. b. Explain how the organization has implemented the Reporting Principles for Defining Report Content.

Interpublic completed a comprehensive materiality process.

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102-47

Complete

List all the material topics identified in the process for defining report content

IPG reports in line with the GRI Standards

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

102-48

Complete

Report the effect of any restatements of information provided in previous reports, and the reasons for such restatements

There are no restatements of information provided in previous reports.

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102-49

Complete

  1. Report significant changes from previous reporting periods in the Scope and Aspect Boundaries

Interpublic has expanded its reporting boundary each year since 2014.

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102-51

Complete

Date of most recent previous report

IPG published its last sustainability report in March of 2020. We update the Sustainability and Purpose information on our website on a frequent basis.

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102-52

Complete

Reporting cycle

IPG reports annually.

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Management Approach

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

103-1

Complete

Explanation of the material topic and its boundary.

Unless otherwise noted, the boundary for the disclosures in our report represent the entire Interpublic entity as described in our 10K annual report.

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103-2

Complete

The management approach and its components

Ultimately, the entire Board of Directors considers the implications and risks of climate change and other key issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as they impact IPG, while the primary responsibility sits with the Board’s Corporate Governance Committee,

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103-3

Complete

Evaluation of the management approach

This indicator is cross-referenced for 103-2 and 103-3

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Economic Performance

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

201-1

Complete

Direct economic value generated and distributed

Detailed information on IPG’s direct economic value generated and distributed can be found in our 2019 Annual Report, starting on page 21. IPG also reports on such information under GRI 102-7 Scale of an organization.

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201-3

Partial

Coverage of the organization's defined benefit plan obligations

For information on IPG's defined benefit plan obligations, please see 2019 Form 10K, pages 39-40 and page 84. All estimates are as of 12/31/19

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Indirect Economic Impacts

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

203-2

Complete

Significant indirect economic impacts, including the extent of impacts

Sustainability in all its forms -- environmental responsibility, good corporate citizenship, ensuring socially-responsible business practices --is important and integral to the way we do business around the world.

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Anti-Corruption

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

205-1

Complete

Total number and percentage of operations assessed for risks related to corruption and the significant risks identified

Interpublic assesses 100% of our operations for risks related to corruption.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

205-2

Complete

Communication and training on anti-corruption policies and procedures

IPG regularly communicates its anti-corruption policies and procedures by a variety of methods.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Anti-Competitive Behavior

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

206-1

Complete

Legal actions for anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, and monopoly practices

In 2019, IPG did not have any legal and/or regulatory fines, penalties, or other legal action associated with violations of anti-competitive behavior, anti-trust, or monopoly practices.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Energy

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

302-1

Partial

Energy consumption within the organization

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

302-3

Complete

Energy Intensity

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

302-4

Partial

Reduction of energy consumption

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

302-5

Complete

Reductions in energy requirements of products and services

To streamline our operations and reduce unnecessary usage of energy, water, and natural resources, IPG focuses on our people.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

Emissions

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

305-1

Partial

Direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1)

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

305-2

Partial

Energy indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 2)

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

305-3

Complete

Other indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 3)

Smart travel policies – traveling less where possible, traveling lighter and traveling smarter – is a shared goal that we have committed to.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

305-4

Partial

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

305-5

Partial

Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Note this response is cross-referenced for 302-1, 302-3, 302-4, 302-5, 305-1, 305-2, 305-4, and 305-5.

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Principle 7:
Environment

Principle 8:
Environment

Principle 9:
Environment

Environmental Compliance

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

307-1

Complete

Non-compliance with Environmental Laws and Regulations

In 2019, IPG did not have any significant fines, violations, or other non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and/or regulations. The monetary value was $0.

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Principle 8:
Environment

Supplier Environmental Assessment

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

308-1

Partial

Percentage of new suppliers that were screened using environmental criteria

Please note this response is cross-referenced for 308-1 and 414-1.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 6:
Labour

Employment

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

401-1

Partial

Total number and rates of new employee hires and employee turnover by age group, gender and region

Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.

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Principle 6:
Labour

401-2

Partial

Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees, by significant locations of operation

Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.

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Principle 6:
Labour

401-3

Complete

Parental Leave

IPG’s parental leave benefit is covered under our network-wide “Employee and Family Leave” program.

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Principle 6:
Labour

Occupational Health and Safety

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

403-3

Complete

Occupational Health Services

Interpublic Group (IPG) applies high standards of safety and employee protection, as reflected in our policies and employee resources devoted to physical and mental health.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 2:

403-4

Complete

Worker Participation, Consultation and Communication on OHS

Interpublic Group (IPG) communicates essential health and safety information across our agencies and offices in several ways. IPG continually considers the feedback of employees on various topics, including health and well-being.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 2:

403-5

Complete

Worker training on occupational health and safety

IPG’s employees complete annual Code of Conduct training, which covers health and safety policies, particularly workplace violence and substance abuse. In 2019, we saw a 97% completion rate of our annual Code of Conduct training.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 2:

403-6

Complete

Promotion of Worker Health

IPG is committed to continuous improvements of health and safety conditions for our employees.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 2:

Training and Education

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

404-1

Complete

Average hours of training per year per employee

IPG understands the importance of regular training, as it ensures our workplaces operate ethically and transparently, and, expands the professional development of our people.

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Principle 6:
Labour

404-2

Partial

Programs for skills management and lifelong learning that support the continued employability of employees and assist them in managing career endings

Note this response is cross-referenced for 102-8, 401-1, 401-2, 404-2, and 404-3.

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Principle 6:
Labour

404-3

Complete

Percentage of Employees Receiving Regular Performance and Career Development Reviews

IPG advocates for all employees to actively participate and invest in performance management.

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Diversity and Equal Opportunity

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

405-1

Complete

Diversity of governance bodies and employees

Diversity, equity and inclusion are business priorities for IPG.

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Principle 6:
Labour

405-2

Complete

Ratio of Basic Salary and Remuneration of Women to Men

IPG is committed to compensating employees fairly based on their job, skills, and experience, and without regard to protected characteristics.

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Principle 6:
Labour

Human Rights Assessment

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

412-2

Complete

Total hours of employee training on human rights policies or procedures concerning aspects of human rights that are relevant to operations, including the percentage of employees trained

IPG understands the importance of training, particularly as it relates to ensuring a workplace that operates ethically and transparently and is also free from any type of harassment.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 6:
Labour

Local Communities

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

413-1

Complete

Operations with local community engagement, impact assessments, and development programs

IPG aims to strengthen the communities where we live, where we work, and where we vote.

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Principle 8:
Environment

Supplier Social Assessment

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

414-1

Partial

Percentage of new suppliers that were screened using human rights criteria

Please note this response is cross-referenced for 308-1 and 414-1.

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Principle 1:
Human Rights

Principle 6:
Labour

Public Policy

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

415-1

Complete

Total value of political contributions by country and recipient/beneficiary

Although personal political activity is welcome, as employees we may not make political contributions by or in the name of IPG or any of its subsidiaries.

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Marketing and Labeling

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

417-2

Complete

Incidents of non-compliance concerning product and service information and labeling

In 2019, IPG did not have any incidents of non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes regarding information or labeling of products and services.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

417-3

Complete

Incidents of non-compliance concerning marketing communications

In 2019, IPG did not have any incidents of non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes regarding marketing communications, including advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Customer Privacy

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

418-1

Complete

Substantiated Complaints Concerning Breaches of Customer Privacy and Losses of Customer Data

In 2019, Interpublic Group (IPG) identified no substantiated complaints regarding breaches of consumer privacy, nor did we identify any leaks, thefts, or losses of customer data

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Principle 10:
Anti-Corruption

Socioeconomic Compliance

GRI Indicator
Reporting Level
Description
Reference / Response
UN Global Compact Principle Alignment
SDG Alignment

419-1

Complete

Significant fines and non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and/or regulations in the social and economic area

In 2019, IPG did not have any significant fines or non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws or regulations in the social and economic area.

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