Chinese public toilets with facial recognition system

For several years, China has been heavily focusing on developing tourism within the country, which has led to a closer inspection of the standards of public toilets. It turns out that most Chinese toilets lack toilet paper, partly due to widespread theft. To combat this issue, several cities have implemented facial recognition systems in public toilets. Additionally, other innovations are being introduced, such as Wi-Fi or extra toilet paper available via QR Code. 

Facial recognition system and theft prevention

In 2018, a facial recognition system was installed in a sports center in Changsha, Hunan province. Each person scanning their face receives 40 cm of toilet paper, aiming to reduce usage and prevent theft. However, it is undeniable that this length might be insufficient. The system also detects if someone stays in a toilet cubicle for longer than 10 minutes, which helps protect lives in case of emergencies.

The toilets also provide free Wi-Fi and the ability to charge phones. Additionally, the system provides information about the building, such as temperature, air humidity, total water and electricity usage, and the length of time toilet cubicles are occupied. 

Changes in toilets leading to changes in habits

By modernizing toilets and eliminating theft, China aims to change the habits of its citizens so that they take care of public goods and use public toilets responsibly. Over 30 toilets in the Chongqing district have been equipped with automatic toilet paper dispensers that dispense 80 cm of paper after scanning a smartphone code, which seems to be a sufficient amount. The district authorities plan to expand this technology to an additional 150 toilets. 

This article is based on an article by Mandy Zuo from the South China Morning Post.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2141609/chinese-public-toilets-go-hi-tech-wifi-facial-recognition

Ryszard Kurek