Je Suis Charlie app approved within an hour of email to Apple CEO Tim Cook
Mere hours after the fatal Paris shooting that left 12 people dead at the office of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the phrase "Je Suis Charlie" had become a meme to galvanize the globe.
And within an hour of a strategically sent email to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Je Suis Charlie had become an app.
According to 9to5mac.com, French news agency Nice-Matin sent an email to Tim Cook to request an expedited review of the app, which lets users map their location with an emblem to show support -- a black and white line drawing of a pencil in an upheld fist. According to the site, an assistant replied ten minutes later promising a review within the hour. The typical time to approval for new apps is more like 10 days.
The free app is now available on iTunes. The sparse and simple app has a sparse and simple description:
Because "Je suis Charlie" has become the symbol of freedom of speech whatever your beliefs, your country and your opinions, download the "I am Charlie" app and simply state where you stand on today's world map.
We will show we stand united together across the world
"We are all CHARLIE"