Brussels attacks: Facebook activates safety check after outrage

The tool that allows people to let friends and family members know that they’re safe, will display for any Facebook user whom the site detects to be in Brussels.

Facebook activated its Safety Check feature on Tuesday afternoon after hours of outrage by activists and public as two explosions ripped through the Brussels airport, killing at least 21 people.

The tool that allows people to let friends and family members know that they’re safe, will display for any Facebook user whom the site detects to be in Brussels. (Facebook)

The tool that allows people to let friends and family members know that they’re safe, will display for any Facebook user whom the site detects to be in Brussels.

The tool will also be activated for users who are friends with people marking themselves safe.

“Quickly find and connect with friends in the area. Mark them safe if you know they’re OK,” reads the dedicated Safety Check page for today’s terror attack.

The feature that lets people mark themselves safe in case of terror attacks or natural calamities has run into controversy in the past. Activists say the company is often not fast enough with the tool, especially when strikes occur in third-world countries.