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.

Image Block - A Seamless, User-Friendly Firefox Add-on

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.

Add-on stats

Daily users: 5,746
242
Rating: 3.84
(61)
Version: 5.1resigned1 (Last updated: 2024-04-25)
Version code: 5725926
Creation date: 2007-08-30
Weekly download count: 167
Firefox on Android: Yes
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • webRequest
  • webRequestBlocking
  • <all_urls>
Size: 9.99K
URLs: Website

Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Android
Not available on Edge
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Add-on 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

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 described
  • Blocks images effectively including background images
  • Lightweight on resources
  • Simple toggle functionality for blocking images
Cons
  • Doesn't work consistently
  • Toolbar button/icon does not appear for many users
  • Limited functionality compared to other blockers (e.g., can't block videos, needs whitelisting)
  • Outdated for some users, leading to poor performance
Most mentioned
  • Toolbar button not visible or difficult to find
  • Inconsistent performance or failures in blocking images
  • Desire for additional features or capabilities (e.g., blocking videos, whitelisting)
User reviews
Don't see the toolbar button. Please show us how to activate this add-on in large and clear images. The images used now are 240 x 180, way too small to see anything. And show us where the button should be and how it should look like.
by dotch, 2025-02-05

Doesn't work.
by Johnny1413, 2025-01-10

I block the image to save data. It's a very successful plugin.
by Hakan, 2024-12-29
View all user reviews

Add-on safety

Risk impact

Image Block requires some sensitive permissions that could impact your browser and data security. Exercise caution before installing.

Risk impact analysis details
  • Critical Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
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Risk likelihood

We don't have sufficient data to confidently determine the risk likelihood of Image Block. Use it at your own risk.

Risk likelihood analysis details
  • High This extension website URL may be invalid
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  • Low **** ********* *** ******* **** **** * ****** **** ***** ******** *** **** ****** ** ** ****** *** *****
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  • Good **** ********* *** **** **** *******
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