The two-way livestream portal connecting Dublin and New York City, which was launched on May 8, 2024, has been temporarily closed due to "inappropriate behaviour" in Dublin. The portal, intended to facilitate cultural exchanges and connections, has seen thousands of visitors since its opening. The Dublin City Council reported incidents including one person displaying an image of the World Trade Center on fire during the September 11, 2001, attacks, a woman being arrested for lewd conduct, and an OnlyFans model exposing herself.
Despite the majority of interactions being positive, including families and friends reuniting and a marriage proposal, the inappropriate actions led to the closure. Technical solutions to address these disruptions are expected to be implemented within 24 hours. The portals are located in north Dublin facing O’Connell Street and next to the Flatiron Building in New York City.
A spokesperson for the Dublin City Council and the Portals Organization emphasized the project's aim to connect people and cultures in a unique manner, and they encourage visitors to behave respectfully. The situation continues to be monitored to ensure a positive experience.