Paris Attack: Google Makes Calls To France Free And Facebook Has 'Safety Check'

Google makes calls to France free through Google Hangouts in the wake of Paris attack. The French capital has been attacked Friday night with a series of shootings and explosions.

Following the bloody event in Paris on Friday night, Google temporarily sets calls to France free. Users can use the Hangouts app on the Web, Android and iOS to place calls to the country sans the usual international charges.

The Google+ post in this regard did not specify location so Android Police presumed it applies to all places in France. Free Google Voice calls were not mentioned.

Hashtag #PorteOuverte, which means "open door" is trending on social media with other topics related to the Paris attack. It informs the locals what locations they could find assistance and shelter.

Other tech companies likewise wanted to help and followed suit. Facebook puts on a "safety check" function to allow users from Paris to check in to indicate they are safe; or other users will "quickly find and connect with friends in the area" and mark them "safe" if they indeed are.

Others can also let friends know if they are in the affected area. When families and friends will see that the people they know are safe through the Facebook feature, they will stop worrying.

In the past, tragic events like the Friday night Paris attack had many companies offering free calling services, said 9to5Google.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that ISIS claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks. France vows revenge for the bloodshed. President Francois Hollande said the shootings and explosions were "acts of war." "We will lead the fight, and we will be ruthless," he said early Saturday.

Officials said, at least one American was among the 129 dead. She was identified as Nohemi Gonzalez, from El Monte, California. Gonzalez, 23 is a California State University enrolee, while in Paris for a semester to study design.

Also among those who died are three Chileans.