The livestream portal connecting Dublin and New York faced a temporary shutdown due to “inappropriate behavior” on the Irish side. While the portal has seen heartwarming moments like Irish dancing and proposals, some individuals have engaged in misconduct, including flashing body parts and displaying images of 9/11 and swear words.
Videos of these incidents have gone viral on social media, prompting Dublin City Council to take action. A woman was even escorted by police after inappropriate behavior near the portal. In response, the council announced that technical solutions are being implemented to address these issues within the next 24 hours.
Despite these incidents, the majority of interactions through the portal have been positive, with families reuniting, friendships forming, and even a successful marriage proposal. The Portals Organisation emphasized that the portal is meant to connect people and cultures in a unique way, and they encourage respectful interactions.
The portal, located in Dublin’s north facing O’Connell Street and New York’s busy Manhattan junction, has seen an increase in footfall since its unveiling. While the livestream may be paused during software updates, the organization is committed to improving stability and expanding the portal to more locations worldwide. As they work towards enhancing the user experience, they aim to maintain a positive and inclusive environment for all participants.