Dublin to New York City Portal Temporarily Shut Down Due to 'Inappropriate' Behavior

Less than a week after the unveiling of two public sculptures enabling real-time interaction between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City, the portal has been temporarily shut down due to reported incidents of "inappropriate behavior."

Named "The Portals," these round, lens-like installations boasted a 24/7 video link to facilitate interaction between residents and visitors of both cities. However, videos circulating on social media revealed instances of individuals engaging in inappropriate actions, such as flashing body parts, across the virtual divide. Notably, the installation lacked audio capabilities.

In response to these incidents, the creators of the sculptures, along with the Dublin City Council, are actively exploring technical solutions to address the behavior. While initial attempts, including blurring, proved unsatisfactory, alternative options are being considered.

As a temporary measure, the live stream was scheduled to be deactivated at 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday, with plans to resume operations later in the week pending the implementation of effective solutions. Despite these setbacks, the overwhelming majority of participants have engaged with the portal respectfully, underscoring its potential as a global phenomenon.

Dublin's Lord Mayor, Daithí de Róiste, emphasized the project's role in promoting inclusivity and strengthening ties between communities worldwide. With plans to extend the initiative to destinations in Poland, Brazil, and Lithuania, the Portals project aligns with Dublin's vision as the 2024 EU Capital of Smart Tourism.