After the recent terrorism shooting at Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly newspaper in Paris, France, and a massive amount of support worldwide full of people carrying the message, “Je Suis Charlie,” (translation: “I am Charlie”). The meaning of this phrase connects to the right for freedom of speech and resistance to armed threats. On Jan. 12, 2015, an application called, “Je Suis Charlie,” became active on the Apple and Android app stores. This app was approved for downloading within five hours, when the average app takes 10 days to be approved.

There are many variations of the “Je Suis Charlie” app on the market, the most popular one being an app where the user states their opinion on the matter and where in the world they are from.

Antioch Community High School senior Erika Balagot said, “I think the saying is a way to support the people impacted in the shooting. I don’t think many young people know about this saying, especially since it’s not very noticed in schools or very publicized to catch young people’s attention.”

According to iTunes, the “Je Suis Charlie” app was created, “Because ‘Je suis Charlie’ has become the symbol of freedom of speech whatever your beliefs, country or opinion is. The purpose of the “I am Charlie” app is to simply state where you stand on today’s world map.”

Balagot said, “I would for sure download it. It helps spread the world for freedom to people, one little action can change society for the better.”

The app is free on iTunes and the Play Store and is a modern and effective way to show support against armed threats and praise for freedom of speech.