This transparency declaration provides information in accordance with the German Interstate Media Treaty (Medienstaatsvertrag, MStV) regarding the general principles governing the selection, presentation, and recommendation of media services and content on the Whale TV platform.
The processes described in this document are based on general criteria and may vary depending on region, device configuration, technical requirements, and applicable legal obligations. Where applicable, statutory requirements take precedence over other considerations.
The platform provides access to a variety of media services and applications from different providers. The availability, presentation, and functionality of such services may vary depending on objective factors including legal requirements, technical conditions, and product configuration.
All processes described below are designed and implemented in a manner intended to ensure compliance with applicable legal obligations, including requirements relating to media plurality and the discoverability of Public Value services.
Media services may be made available on the platform subject to compliance with applicable requirements. Relevant criteria may include compliance with legal and regulatory obligations, technical compatibility and security requirements, as well as quality and user experience considerations.
Services that do not meet applicable requirements may be restricted, limited, or not made available.
The application of these criteria is based on objective and non-discriminatory considerations. Comparable services are assessed on the basis of the same categories of requirements.
In accordance with § 84 MStV, services that contribute to the formation of public opinion are taken into account in a manner intended to ensure their appropriate accessibility and prominence for users in Germany. Such consideration is implemented as part of the platform design and is not dependent on commercial arrangements.
The presentation and visibility of services and content within the user interface are determined based on a combination of factors, including regional relevance, general popularity, technical integration requirements, and product design considerations.
Where applicable, legal requirements relating to prominence and discoverability take precedence over other factors.
The platform includes design elements intended to support the discoverability of Public Value services. These elements are implemented in a manner designed to ensure that such services remain easily accessible to users in Germany.
The specific arrangement and visibility of services may vary depending on device configuration, region, and context of use. Such variation does not affect the implementation of applicable legal obligations.
The platform may provide content discovery and recommendation features. Depending on the relevant feature and user settings, recommendations may be based on contextual factors, aggregated usage data, and, where applicable and permitted, user-related data processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws and user settings.
The use of personalization features is subject to user choice and applicable data protection requirements. Users may manage relevant settings during device setup and at any time through system settings.
Where personalization is enabled, it is implemented in a manner that does not prevent the accessibility and discoverability of Public Value services required under applicable law.
Where personalization is not enabled, recommendations are based on non user specific factors such as general popularity, contextual relevance, and product level curation.
The platform may include elements whose presentation or visibility is influenced by commercial relationships or partnerships. This may include the inclusion, pre-installation, or promotion of certain services.
Commercial considerations are applied within the framework of applicable legal requirements. In particular, such considerations do not override obligations relating to the prominence and discoverability of Public Value services.
Advertising content is identified in accordance with applicable legal requirements. The presentation of advertising is designed to be distinguishable from other types of content.
The extent and form of commercially influenced placements may vary depending on region, device configuration, and applicable agreements.
The platform is designed to provide fair and non discriminatory access for media services. Differences in presentation, visibility, or integration may occur only on the basis of objective and justifiable criteria, including legal requirements, technical considerations, product design, and commercial arrangements.
Such criteria are applied in a consistent manner to comparable services.
No differentiation is applied in a manner intended to unfairly disadvantage media services without objective justification.
The principles described in this document are subject to ongoing review in order to ensure continued compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Where required, adjustments to platform design, presentation, or processes may be implemented to reflect changes in legal obligations, regulatory guidance, or technical conditions. Relevant legal requirements may also be reflected in internal review and platform governance processes.