Welcome to the Big Tech Stack, Accountable Tech’s newsletter. We’ll give you the TL;DR (“too long, didn’t read”) on the latest news in Big Tech with our POV.

Gen Z users and a dad tested Instagram Teen Accounts. Their feeds were shocking.

TL;DR: We tested Meta’s claim that their Instagram Teen Accounts have the highest security levels to protect kids’ privacy and ensure they aren’t recommended harmful content. Except these settings don’t work, and in just two weeks, they led our testers to disturbing and sexual content in every single case. A Washington Post reporter’s own test confirmed our findings, and more.

AT’s POV: It’s clear that when left to their own devices, Big Tech companies will do less than the bare minimum to protect their users. It’s why we need strong legislation that requires platforms to implement design changes that actually protect young people.

Victims of explicit deepfakes will now be able to take legal action against people who create them

TL;DR: Trump signed the Take It Down Act, a bill that criminalizes sexually explicit deepfakes and requires Big Tech platforms to remove images within 48 hours or risk being sued by the FTC. It’s one of the first “federal laws[…]addressing the potential harms from AI-generated content.”

AT’s POV: This bill is a step in the right direction for victims being able to ensure that deepfakes don't spread. And it’s a step in the right direction for holding Big Tech accountable for what happens on their platforms. We’ll be monitoring how enforcement plays out.

Neb., Vt. pass Kids Code bills to regulate online platforms for minors

TL;DR: Vermont is working to pass, and Nebraska already passed laws that will require Big Tech platforms to update their design in order to ensure kids’ safety. This is the first time a red state has passed such a bill. It comes after California and Maryland passed similar bills.

AT’s POV: We’re so excited that more and more states are stepping up to demand that Big Tech protect kids from harmful content, and not just by thinking through their content moderation, but by limiting the data they collect and making platforms safer by design. With more states introducing this type of legislation day after day, we can’t wait to build a safer online world for future generations.

That’s all for this installment of the Big Tech Stack. If you liked what you saw, consider donating to keep this in your inbox. Thanks for your support in holding Big Tech accountable.