Toilet paper theft has become an increasingly large problem in parts of Beijing, China, over the course of the past several decades. Temple of Heaven Park has decided to take matters into their own hands by installing facial recognition software in the bathroom stalls. If a visitor needs toilet paper in the bathroom, they must first look into a computer, which has the software installed. The computer is programmed to recognize faces and only give someone one use’s worth of toilet paper. If someone needs more toilet paper, they must wait nine minutes.
The biggest culprits of toilet paper theft, according to those in the area, seem to be older people, who will stuff their purses and bags with unused toilet paper, in order to take it home and avoid having to purchase any. While some feel that this new installation is an invasion of privacy and unnecessary, others think it is a great addition to the park and was long overdue. There are many public bathrooms throughout China that expect visitors to bring their own toilet paper, but areas that attract more tourists have gotten on board with providing toilet paper for visitors.