Image Block

Image Block

Image Block adds a toggle button that conditionally blocks/allows loading of images on webpages. Blocking images results in faster browsing, especially helpful on handheld devices or slower connections.

What is Image Block?
Image Block is a user-friendly Firefox add-on, first introduced in 2007, designed for conditional image loading on webpages, which facilitates faster browsing and optimizes data use. It offers a simple toggle button function that is effortless to use, making web surfing more manageable on handheld devices or slower internet connections. Despite its simplicity, Image Block provides a distinct benefit of maintaining the user's privacy by blocking explicit content on webpages.
Merlin
Stats
Users: 6,349 ▲ 49
Rating: 3.89 (53)
Version: 5.1resigned1 (Last updated: 2024-04-25)
Creation date: 2007-08-30
Weekly download count: 113
Firefox on Android: Yes
Risk impact: High risk impact
Risk likelihood: Moderate risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • webRequest
  • webRequestBlocking
  • <all_urls>
Size: 9.99K
URLs: Website
Stats date:

Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Edge
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Merlin
Summary

Updated to work with newer versions! This version had to be completely re-written as the new APIs are much more restrictive.

Description of earlier version below -

This addon first showed up in 2007 for Firefox version 1.5. Since then its has tried to support all Firefox versions (absolute legacy support), even if it meant compromising on some features (e.g. toolbar button, which is finally movable now). The last thing I wanted was for a user to change there installation just for Image Block to work.

Another key issue that everyone kept pointing (other than the immovable button) was images not being blocked on certain sites (e.g. Google Image search). This was done on purpose, as these images are embedded in data, "blocking" them was not possible. They could only be "hidden", which would not help in faster browsing or less data use. However, I have finally added this (I'm still not fully convinced if this is the way to go).

Then there were (are) the endless demands of black-lists, white-lists, conditional blocking, flash, tab specific, auto reload, blocking content other than images... so on and so forth. Well, I don't plan to do any of that. The whole idea is to keep it simple, so that everyone can use it... even my mom! Its easy to make tons of buttons and give every feature possible to the user, but making everything work with a single button sets the user free. Most human beings like simple tools!

Last version was released for Firefox 3.5, it worked till now without any changes to code.

Below is the original description (last edited in 2010!)

Image Block adds a toggle button that conditionally blocks/allows loading of images on webpages. The toggle button is added to the navigation toolbar (extreme right) by default. Blocking images results in faster browsing, especially helpful on handheld devices or slower connections like GSM/GPRS/EDGE dial-up etc.

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User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Firefox Browser Add-ons does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Works as expected
  • Blocks all images, including background images
  • Modest in resources and demand of overall attention
Cons
  • Doesn't block images with direct links
  • Lacks the ability to whitelist or blacklist certain sites
  • May not work on certain websites
Most mentioned
  • Doesn't work
  • Could use whitelisting/blacklisting functionality
  • Works as expected
  • Doesn't block images with direct links
  • Modest in resources and demand of overall attention
Recent reviews
Nie działa.

icon does not appear on the taskbar. Was brilliant, but now it doesn't work. Does it need upgrading?
by Bernard, 2024-04-09

It works! One addition I would like to see is to be able to whitelist certain sites.
by dvdv, 2024-04-02
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

Image Block is risky to use as it requires a number of sensitive permissions that can potentially harm your browser and steal your data. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing. We recommend that you only install Image Block if you trust the publisher.

Risk likelihood

Image Block is probably trust-worthy. Prefer other publishers if available. Exercise caution when installing this add-on.

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Screenshots