Facebook adds optional French flag for profile pictures in Paris solidarity move
People around the world have wanted to show solidarity with Parisians and France
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Facebook has introduced a French flag filter to go on top of users' profile pictures as a gesture of unity over the Paris terrorist attacks.
Under the "customise your profile picture" option, people can choose "Causes" from the drop down list and superimpose the Tricolore on their photo.
The move comes as at least 127 people are reported to have been killed in mass murder shootings by radical Islamist terrorists in Paris.
Facebook's update says: "Change your profile picture to support France and the people of Paris."
The social media giant's mobile app also re-introduced the safety check system for people in Paris to let their friends know they were alive.
The system was first used after the Nepal earthquake.
Speaking when it was first introduced, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said:
"Over the last few years there have been many disasters and crises where people have turned to the Internet for help.
"Each time, we see people use Facebook to check on their loved ones and see if they’re safe.
"Connecting with people is always valuable, but these are the moments when it matters most.
"Safety Check is our way of helping our community during natural disasters and gives you an easy and simple way to say you’re safe and check on all your friends and family in one place."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments