• Shopping malls in Shenzhen adopt smart glass bathroom doors that reveal smoking
• The technology impressed users and considered an effective measure against violators

Two malls in southern Shenzhen installed special bathroom doors that turn from opaque to transparent when smoke is detected

The glass uses advanced technology, remaining opaque under normal conditions but cutting power for a few seconds when smoke is sensed, making it transparent.

The malls inform users of the feature via a sign on the door: “The glass will turn transparent if you smoke. Control your urge if you don’t want to become famous online.”

The innovation received widespread praise online, with some calling it “an effective measure to confront smokers,” after traditional methods like signs and small fines failed to curb public smoking.

Others have called for the technology to be implemented nationwide.

Shenzhen strictly bans smoking in indoor public places, and the mentioned malls are non-smoking buildings.

Some raised concerns about potential privacy violations due to the glass transparency.

Local media report that the measure is legal but carries potential legal risks; lawyer Lu Weiguo warned that any malfunction harming users’ rights could make the malls legally liable.

Observers online described Shenzhen as one of China’s most innovative cities and urged similar systems to be installed in all public restrooms, emphasizing the urgent need for such technology to limit smoking in public facilities.