New York-Dublin portal making changes after ‘inappropriate’ behavior reported

A technology company is investigating potential changes to a livestream portal between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City, following reports of “inappropriate behavior.”

The art technology installations, dubbed “The Portal,” were unveiled in both Dublin and New York City less than a week ago, creating an “unprecedented bridge,” between the two cities, according to the Dublin City Council. Both portals run a 24/7 livestream from the other city, allowing visitors to interact with one another in real-time.

Days after the portals’ debut, reports of visitors engaging inappropriate behavior circulated on social media over the weekend, BBC News reported.

Clips on social media showed people in Dublin flashing body parts, showing pictures of 9/11 and swear words on phone screens, Sky News reported. In one instance, police escorted a woman away after she was seen grinding against the portal, the outlet added.

A spokesperson for the Dublin City Council confirmed the company behind the portal, Portals.org, is investigating “possible technical solutions” after “inappropriate behavior” was reported among a small group of people. 

“Dublin City Council had hoped to have a solution in place today, but unfortunately the preferred solution, which would have involved blurring, was not satisfactory,” the spokesperson told The Hill. “The Portals.org team is now investigating other options.”

The portal was expected to be shut off Tuesday night for the investigation, the spokesperson added. The council was told the company expects it to be turned back on later this week. 

Many of the interactions with the portal have been positive and the spokesperson said the council is “delighted” with the majority response. 

In one clip on social media, a woman performed Irish step dancing in front of the portal, where a group of New York visitors appeared to cheer her on. In photos posted by the company behind the project, Portals Organization, daughters and mothers waved to each other through the portals.

“It has become a global phenomenon and it is important to note that the overwhelming majority of people interacting with the Dublin Portal have behaved appropriately,” the spokesperson said. 

This story was updated at 3:19 p.m.