Toilet paper paywall? China's public toilets exchange tissue for ads

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Transcript

00:00In parts of China, using public restrooms now comes with a catch.

00:04If you want to use toilet paper, you might have to watch an ad first.

00:08That's right, before you can grab a few squares of tissue,

00:10you'll need to scan a QR code and sit through a short commercial.

00:14The system is designed to reduce waste and discourage people from taking more paper than they actually need.

00:19Now, if you're not in the mood to watch an ad, you can pay a small fee, around 7 cents, to skip it.

00:24But officials say it's actually working.

00:26Paper usage has dropped significantly in some areas.

00:30This isn't even China's first attempt at regulating toilet paper use.

00:33Back in 2017, Beijing installed facial recognition dispensers at a popular park.

00:38Visitors were given a fixed amount of paper and had to wait 9 minutes before getting more.

00:43It was a high-tech solution to a low-tech problem.

00:46Toilet paper thieves.

00:47Some users call it dystopian, others see it as a clever way to cut down on waste.

00:52But most share a similar sentiment.

00:54If your phone dies or you don't have any cash,

00:56you might be asking your neighbor under the stall door for a little extra toilet paper.

00:59In this setup, toilet paper is no longer a convenience, it's a monetary reward for engagement.

01:05But what do you think?

01:06Would you trade a few seconds of ads for free toilet paper, or are you canceling your next China trip?

01:10Let us know in the comments, and of course, follow us here for more.