China’s Orwellian Public Washrooms: Toilet Paper Only Available After Watching Ads

China’s Toilet Paper Dilemma: An Orwellian Twist on Public Amenities

In recent years, China has increasingly mirrored the oppressive realities of George Orwell’s dystopian narratives, particularly with its implementation of social credit systems. Now, an intriguing development highlights how far the state’s reach extends – even into public restrooms.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by China Insider (@chinainsider)

Innovative Yet Controversial Toilet Paper Access

According to a recent social media post by China Insider, certain public restrooms are now enforcing a system where users must scan a QR code on specific toilet paper dispensers. This process requires individuals to watch an advertisement on their smartphones before they can access the minimum supply of toilet paper.

Costs and Justifications Behind the Change

For those who prefer not to engage in this advertising process, an alternative exists: for just 0.5 Yuan (approximately 70 cents), users can bypass the ads and obtain additional sanitary paper. Officials justify this method as a measure to prevent wastefulness, ostensibly aiming to curtail excessive consumption of toilet paper.

Public Backlash and Orwellian Comparisons

The social media reactions to these developments have been rife with references to the inherent Orwellian nature of such practices. Users are questioning the implications of linking basic human necessities to advertising, noting how it reflects a worrying trend towards increased surveillance and control.

A Historical Context of Regulating Access

This toilet paper policy, while shocking, is not an isolated incident. In 2017, an even more alarming step was taken when Beijing’s Temple of Heaven park introduced facial recognition technology in its toilet paper dispensers, raising significant concerns around privacy and the pervasive nature of state surveillance.

Source & Images