Controversy Over Chinese Restrooms: "Watch a 30-Second Ad for Free Toilet Paper, or Pay 100 Won"

New Dispensers Introduced in Chinese Restrooms
Toilet Paper Provided Only After Watching Ads via QR Code
Citizens Question, "Are These Really Public Facilities?"

An unusual tissue dispenser installed in some public restrooms in China is drawing complaints from users. This automated device operates by providing toilet paper only if users watch advertisements or make a payment.

A 'Smart Tissue Dispenser' has appeared in some public restrooms in China, where users must watch advertisements or make payments to receive toilet paper. Photo captured from China Insider Facebook page.

On September 9 (local time), the Chinese digital media outlet China Insider revealed footage of a woman scanning a QR code in a public restroom, watching an advertisement on her smartphone, and then receiving a certain length of toilet paper.

This dispenser is designed to either provide toilet paper for free after watching a 30-second advertisement, or allow users to receive it without watching ads by paying 0.5 yuan (about 100 won). The device features instructions such as "Free when watching ads" and "Contactless hygiene system."

Chinese authorities explained that this is a pilot program aimed at reducing toilet paper waste and strengthening hygiene management, but user responses have been mixed. Some internet users criticized the system, saying, "What if I forget my phone?" and "Do we have to watch ads even in the restroom now?" There were also sarcastic comments such as, "True capitalism is in China."

China has made similar attempts in the past. In 2017, Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing introduced a tissue dispenser using facial recognition technology, which prevented the same person from receiving additional toilet paper within nine minutes. In 2019, some restrooms also adopted systems that used artificial intelligence for toilet paper distribution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.