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China's New Restroom Dispensers Demand Ads for Paper

10/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

China is testing public restroom toilet paper dispensers that require users to watch an advertisement before receiving paper.
The dispensers use optical scanners to display a QR code, which users scan with their smartphones to trigger a short advertisement.
After viewing the advertisement, the machine dispenses a controlled amount of toilet paper.
Users can pay about 7 cents to bypass the advertisement, according to local officials.

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Story summary

China is testing public restroom toilet paper dispensers that require users to watch an advertisement before receiving paper.
The dispensers use optical scanners to display a QR code, which users scan with their smartphones to trigger a short advertisement.
After viewing the advertisement, the machine dispenses a controlled amount of toilet paper.
Users can pay about 7 cents to bypass the advertisement, according to local officials.