Unlock public toilets in Finland by text message

Authorities, wanting to try and avoid damage to public toilets have come up with an interesting solution. In order to use the toilet, you have to text ‘OPEN’ to a shortcode — which immediately opens the door. Provided, one imagines, no one is actually inside at the time.

In this way, if someone damages the facilities, authorities have the relevant mobile numbers to follow-up. That won’t work too well if the person’s using an unregistered pay-as-you-go sim card — but generally speaking, it’s hoped that this should act as a deterrent to would-be vandals. Cool idea!

You could get some rather interesting statistics from this too, couldn’t you?