Tech Companies Respond to Paris Terror Attacks with Disaster Relief Efforts

Strategic Insights -

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks, tech companies have quickly mobilized to provide critical support to those affected. A notable response came from Airbnb, Facebook, Google, Skype, Twitter, and Uber, which leveraged their services to offer shelter, communication, and transportation to those in need. Airbnb contacted its hosts in Paris, asking if they could take in those stranded in the city. Facebook enabled users to alert their friends that they were safe, while Google and Skype offered free calls to Paris. Twitter helped people find shelter using the hashtag #PorteOuverte, and Uber turned off surge pricing in the city.

Key Takeaways:

  • Airbnb contacted its hosts in Paris, asking them to take in those stranded in the city, with over 300 people finding shelter through the service (TechCrunch).
  • Facebook's Safety Check allowed users to alert their friends that they were safe, with over 13 million people using the feature during the crisis (Facebook).
  • Google and Skype offered free calls to Paris, allowing loved ones to connect immediately.
  • Twitter helped people find shelter using the hashtag #PorteOuverte, with over 1.2 million tweets using the hashtag in the first 24 hours after the attacks (Twitter).
  • Uber turned off surge pricing in Paris for the weekend, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise (TechCrunch).
  • These services had been tested previously in natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy and earthquakes.
  • The tech industry's response to the attacks highlights its potential to provide critical support during emergency situations.

Statistics:

  • 132 people were killed in the Paris terror attacks, mostly young people out having fun (Reported by multiple sources).
  • 300 people found shelter through Airbnb in Paris (TechCrunch).
  • 13 million people used Facebook's Safety Check during the crisis (Facebook).
  • 1.2 million tweets used the #PorteOuverte hashtag in the first 24 hours after the attacks (Twitter).
  • The attacks come just months after France adopted a sweeping surveillance bill.

Sources:

  • TechCrunch - "The Internet companies helping France after the Paris attacks"
  • Facebook - "Safety Check"
  • Twitter - "#PorteOuverte"
  • Airbnb - "Airbnb's response to the Paris attacks"
  • Report - "Terror attacks in Paris"