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Why Facebook’s Safety Check Was Activated for Paris Attacks But Not Beirut

2 minute read
By Sarah Begley

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained the social media site’s decision to enact Safety Check for the attacks on Paris, but not for a deadly bombing in Beirut, in a post on the site.

Safety Check, which allows users to mark themselves and others as safe in the wake of tragedies, had previously been activated by Facebook only during natural disasters. It was only after the Paris attack, he said, that the company decided it will be activated “for more human disasters going forward as well.”

Many on social media were outraged that the feature had been enabled in Paris, where terrorist attacks killed more than 120 people on Friday, but not in Beirut, where more than 40 were killed in bombings the day before. Zuckerberg said people were right to ask about the discrepancy, adding, “We care about all people equally, and we will work hard to help people suffering in as many of these situations as we can.”

Witness Paris Mourn the Day After Deadly Attacks

The Eiffel Tower turns off its lights in memory of the more than 120 victims the day after the terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower turns off its lights in memory of the more than 120 victims the day after the terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Marc Piasecki—Getty Images
Bono and band members from the band U2 place flowers on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.
Bono and band members from the band U2 place flowers on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Jeff J Mitchell—Getty Images
A woman is comforted by others outside the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris on Nov. 14, 2015.
A woman is comforted by others outside the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris on Nov. 14, 2015.Jerome Delay—AP
France Paris Attacks
A man places a candle in front of the Carillon cafe in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015.Jerome Delay—AP
Significant Death Toll Feared In Paris Terror Attacks
The interior of the Casa Nostra Cafe, the day after the attacks on the city, on Nov. 14, 2015 in Paris.Christopher Furlong—Getty Images
Dozens of burnt motorbikes and bikes are pictured on the corner of Albert Thomas Lancry streets, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on November 14, 2015, few hours after a series of terror attacks that occurred across the city. ©MAXIME JOUY/NEWZULU/Al
Burnt motorbikes and bicycles on the corner of Albert Thomas Lancry streets, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015, the morning after the attacks across the city.Maxime Jouy—Newzulu/Alamy Live News
France Paris Attacks
Police forensic experts work on the scene at the Cafe Comptoir Voltaire in Paris, Nov, 14, 2015. Marius Becker—EPA
France Paris Attacks
Police are seen near the Cafe La Belle Equipe at the Rue de Charonne in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015.Lic Venance—AFP/Getty Images
France Paris Attacks
A pair of abandoned shoes seen left in the street near the Bataclan concert hall the morning after a series of deadly attacks in Paris, Nov. 14, 2015. Charles Platiau—Reuters
France Paris Attacks
Flowers and candles are placed in tribute outside Le Carillon bar, in Paris, on Nov. 14, 2015. Antoine Antoniol—Getty Images

The post was a comment on his change of profile picture to one in which the colors of the French flag are overlaid across his photograph. Facebook implemented this tool to allow users to show solidarity with the people of Paris.

Read next: France Mourns and Seeks Clues to Those Behind Deadly Paris Attacks

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