Paris terror attacks: Skype, Google offer free calls to France to show support
Twitter, YouTube, Amazon.com also showed their support for Paris after the terror attacks.
In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, tech companies and brands across the world have changed their logos to display to show solidarity with the citizens of France.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Friday’s attacks on a stadium, a concert hall and Paris cafes that left 129 people dead and over 350 wounded, 99 of them seriously.
Twitter, YouTube, Micromax Mobile in India are some of the top tech brands that have shown their support for Paris. Twitter and YouTube’s logos now have the French flag branding, and the YouTube landing page says, ‘We stand with Paris.’
Google also extended support for Paris by announcing free calls to France via Hangouts. In a Google + post, the company wrote, “We’re thinking of you, Paris. No fees on calls to France, via Hangouts. #ParisAttacks.” Skype also announced that “all domestic & international Skype calls to landlines & mobiles in France” will be free for the next few days.
Online retailer Amazon also paid tribute to France on their US website with the French Flag displayed on the homepage, followed by the words ‘Solidarite’ India’s Micromax Mobile changed its profile and Facebook cover picture to one of the the Eiffel Tower redrawn as a symbol of Peace. The picture was originally drawn by London-based designer Jean Jullien, who shared it on his Twitter account. The picture went viral on social media and has been shared by many.
Facebook also activated its ‘Safety Check’ feature after the terrorist attacks. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also announced that from now on the feature would be activated in times of crises like war, terror attacks, etc and not remain limited to natural disasters. French President Francois Hollande vowed that France would wage “merciless” war on the Islamic State group and declared three days of national mourning that began Sunday. He raised the nation’s security to its highest level and banned all public demonstrations until Thursday.
With AP inputs
