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The public art installation connecting New York City and Dublin via a 24/7 live video link was temporarily suspended in May 2024 following a series of disruptive behaviors by a small minority of users. Designed to encourage global interconnectedness and open communication, the portal instead became the target of digital vandalism and inappropriate conduct, largely originating on the Irish side. Among the incidents that went viral on social media were individuals displaying swastikas, performing lewd actions, and holding up phone screens showing images of the September 11 terrorist attacks toward the New York audience. Other common disruptions included signs referencing deceased pop culture figures, such as "RIP Popsmoke," which further derailed the intended positive spirit of the installation. In response to these highly publicized disruptions, the Dublin City Council and the organizers at Portals.org temporarily deactivated the livestream to implement technical and structural countermeasures. When the installation reopened, new regulations were established to curb anti-social behavior, including limited daily operational hours and the introduction of on-site security personnel in New York. Additionally, technicians integrated a proximity alert system designed to automatically blur the video feed if a participant stepped too close to the camera lens or attempted to press a phone screen against the display. These modifications allowed the cultural project to resume operation by prioritizing a respectful environment while maintaining a visual bridge between the two cities.

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