China Smart Toilets Create Controversy Over Pay-Per-Use Toilet Paper
China smart public toilets are making headlines across the country and online after a new system was introduced that requires users to either watch advertisements or pay a small fee before receiving toilet paper. The unusual initiative, which has gone viral on social media, was designed to reduce excessive paper usage, but it has instead triggered widespread public anger and debate over privacy, dignity, and basic access to hygiene.
In a widely circulated video, a woman is seen scanning a QR code at a public restroom dispenser. Instead of immediately receiving toilet paper, she must first watch a short advertisement before the machine dispenses a single strip. Alternatively, users can skip the ad by paying 0.5 yuan approximately $0.07 for each use. Officials claim the measure is necessary to curb waste, as some visitors have been taking large amounts of free toilet paper home. However, many citizens view the system as an unnecessary and humiliating barrier to a basic need.
How China Smart Restrooms Work and Why They’re Sparking Backlash
The new China smart restroom system is part of a broader initiative to modernize public facilities across the country. Authorities argue that by adding payment options or advertisements, they can reduce misuse of free toilet paper and save costs. According to officials, the excessive consumption of toilet paper has been a recurring problem, particularly in tourist areas where visitors reportedly remove entire rolls.
This isn’t China’s first attempt at controlling toilet paper distribution. In 2017, several tourist attractions installed facial recognition-based dispensers that restricted users to one 60-centimeter strip every nine minutes, later increased to ten. Those machines also sparked widespread debate, with critics calling them invasive and impractical.
The latest ad-based version, however, has intensified public frustration. Social media platforms have been flooded with criticism, with many users calling the system “dystopian” and “humiliating.” Some have even announced plans to carry their own toilet paper to avoid the inconvenience altogether. Others argue that access to basic sanitation should never be commercialized or used as an advertising opportunity.
Wider Debate Over Technology and Everyday Life in China
The China smart toilet controversy reflects a larger conversation about the growing presence of technology in everyday life. While China has been a leader in integrating digital solutions into public services from facial recognition ticketing to cashless payment systems critics argue that this latest step crosses a line. They believe that monetizing something as essential as toilet paper raises ethical questions about public welfare and accessibility.
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that such measures are necessary for public resource management. They point to cases of large-scale misuse and argue that ad-supported models are a reasonable compromise, allowing users to access supplies without paying directly. Still, the idea of having to watch an advertisement for a basic necessity remains controversial and uncomfortable for many. Also Read: Chinese Actor Chaoyang Case Takes Unexpected Turn as Police Reveal Final Findings in 2025
Moreover, the situation highlights a broader trend in urban planning one where technology, surveillance, and data collection are increasingly becoming part of public infrastructure. While such innovations can improve efficiency, they also risk eroding privacy and human dignity if not carefully regulated.
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Conclusion
The rollout of China smart public toilets has sparked a nationwide conversation about the balance between technology, convenience, and basic human rights. What was intended as a solution to resource waste has instead raised questions about dignity and access to essential services. As authorities continue to experiment with high-tech public facilities, it remains to be seen whether public opinion will shape future policies or if users will simply adapt by carrying their own supplies.
