Cover image via China Insider (Instagram)
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Some public restrooms in China have implemented a controversial new system aimed at reducing toilet paper wastage, requiring users to watch advertisements before receiving a limited supply
Videos circulating online, first shared by China Insider, show an individual scanning a QR code on a dispenser. After a short ad plays, the dispenser releases a few sheets of toilet paper. Users also have the option to skip the advertisement by paying 0.50 yuan (RM0.30).
The initiative, which has been described by some online critics as "dystopian", is reportedly an effort by authorities to curb the overuse and misuse of public toilet paper, citing previous cases of individuals taking excessive amounts.
However, this practice has sparked criticism over concerns about both accessibility and hygiene
Critics point out that in urgent situations, a person's phone might be out of battery, or they might not have Internet access or any spare change. This could potentially leave them without toilet paper at a crucial moment.
This is not the first time China has implemented such restrictions
In 2017, facial recognition toilet paper dispensers were installed at Beijing's Temple of Heaven park to combat theft. Those machines would dispense a fixed amount of paper and enforce a nine-minute delay before the same person could receive more.
While officials claim that these systems are effective in reducing misuse, many users report that they would prefer to carry their own tissues to avoid the inconvenience or potential embarrassment.
