A portal connecting New York City to Dublin via a livestream has been temporarily shut down by the Dublin City Council due to inappropriate behavior. Less than a week after the installation was put in place, incidents such as flashing, grinding on the portal, and sharing inappropriate images led officials to close it down temporarily. Despite these incidents, the portal had also been used for positive interactions such as reunions with old friends and even a marriage proposal, with many documenting their experiences online.
The Dublin City Council acknowledged that the inappropriate behavior was carried out by a small minority of individuals, but videos of these incidents went viral online. In response, the council stated that they are implementing technical solutions to address these issues and ensure a positive experience for users in both cities. The council will continue to monitor the situation with their partners in New York to maintain the integrity of the portal as a means of connecting people across borders.
The portal, launched on May 8, was created as a way to bring people together through technology. The founder of The Portal, Benediktas Gylys, described it as a tool to transcend geographical boundaries and embrace global interconnectedness. The Dublin portal is part of a network connecting various cities and destinations, including Poland, Brazil, and Lithuania.
Located near the Flatiron Building in New York City and at the intersection of North Earl Street and O’Connell Street in Dublin, the portal had quickly become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. While incidents of inappropriate behavior led to its temporary closure, the council remains committed to providing a platform for positive interactions and connections between people from different backgrounds and cultures.
As the Dublin City Council works to address the issues that led to the portal’s temporary shutdown, they are focused on maintaining a positive experience for users. By implementing technical solutions and working closely with their partners in New York, they aim to ensure that the portal continues to serve its intended purpose of bringing people together across borders. Despite the setbacks, the portal remains a symbol of global unity and interconnectedness, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to connect and share experiences with others from around the world.
