The live video “portal” between Dublin and New York has resumed operations after being temporarily shut down due to incidents of inappropriate behavior. The continuous live stream, which allows users in both cities to see each other and interact, was switched off on May 14th following incidents such as displaying swearwords, flashing body parts, and even showing a video of the 9/11 attacks in New York.
Dublin City Council has announced that the livestream will now operate during specific hours, from 11:00 to 21:00 local time in Dublin and from 06:00 EDT to 16:00 EDT in New York.
Despite the temporary closure, the attraction has reportedly been popular, with tens of thousands of visitors and nearly two billion online impressions since its inception. The council hopes that by implementing specific operating hours, they can maintain the positive aspects of the portal while minimizing inappropriate behavior.
“The overwhelming majority of people who have visited the portal sculptures have experienced the sense of joy and connectedness that these works of public art invite people to have,” the statement said.
It also reminded the public that the sculptures are not meant to be touched or stepped on.
“We have taken steps to limit instances of people stepping on the portal and holding phones up to the camera lens,” the statement added.
“The Portals.org team has implemented a proximity-based solution. Now, if individuals step on the portal and obstruct the camera, it will trigger a blurring of the livestream for everyone on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The portal in Dublin was erected just off the junction where North Earl Street runs onto the city’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.
The New York portal is located on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, at one of the city’s most dynamic intersections.
