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

Cities around the world have poured out messages of grief and sorrow for the people of France (Reuters)

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 French flag filter can go over profile pictures on Facebook (Facebook)

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."