Toilet paper dispensers in China require viewing ads before use

Public bathrooms in China are drawing attention after the introduction of smart toilet paper dispensers that require users to watch short advertisements before receiving paper strips. According to Oddity Central, videos featuring these machines have recently gone viral on Chinese social media.

The technology reflects a broader push toward conservation, as similar systems were introduced in 2017 using facial scanners to limit the amount of paper distributed per person. The latest ad-based dispensers ensure users are exposed to marketing content while also controlling paper use.

Observers have noted that, given the widespread presence of advertising in digital platforms such as YouTube and podcasts, such innovations could eventually appear in other countries, including the United States.