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China's Smart Toilet Paper: Ads Required, Privacy Concerns Raised

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China has introduced smart toilet paper dispensers that require users to view ads before dispensing paper.
Users scan a QR code on their phones to access the toilet paper.
A fee of about seven US cents allows users to skip the ad.
This initiative aims to minimize waste and regulate usage.
Critics express concerns over privacy and the need for ads in public facilities.

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Story summary

China has introduced smart toilet paper dispensers that require users to view ads before dispensing paper.
Users scan a QR code on their phones to access the toilet paper.
A fee of about seven US cents allows users to skip the ad.
This initiative aims to minimize waste and regulate usage.
Critics express concerns over privacy and the need for ads in public facilities.