Wizmage

There is a very powerful but mostly unknown tool that can be a huge help, especially for those who, for various reasons, are not able to fully filter their computers properly but would very much like to.

Please realize that this is not a substitute for a proper filter and, as per the Gedolei Yisroel, a filter must be installed on your computer. This is only for those who cannot properly filter their computer, or to further protect on websites that are allowed within your filter settings.

For those using the Chrome browser, there is an “extension” called Wizmage. As an extension, there is no installation involved, hence no need for anybody’s permission. Once added, it blocks all images, but with a simple click one can open any specific image, or permanently open specific websites.

Go to your Google account and click Settings > Extensions > (Search for Wizmage) > Add to Chrome
Alternatively, you can Google “Wizmage” and go directly to the Google extension website where you just click the “Add to Chrome” button.

Simple as that.

Once you’ve added it, you will notice all images completely blocked. Clicking on the tiny eye image on the top corner of any image will open that image (it can be reblocked with another click if needed).

Clicking on the Extension widget on the Google search bar will reveal a dropdown showing all of your Extensions. Click on Wizmage to bring you to another dropdown with four options. This will allow you to permanently or temporarily open the specific website that you are on, or to temporarily pause Wizmage for the moment. You can also pin the Wizmage widget to your search bar for easy access.

For those who use the Edge browser, there are three things that can be done.

• On the home screen, there is a Page settings button on the top right corner. On the dropdown, under Content, click it to Content Off.
• Above the Page settings button, there are three dots (settings and more). Click on that and click Settings from the dropdown. Click on Cookies and site permissions. By Images, switch it to Don't show any images.
• Search for Edge Image Block Add-ons. It will take you to Fast Image Blocker. Turn it on (similar to Wizmage in Chrome). The only thing with this add-on is that it only seems to open up entire pages at a time, not just individual pictures (as Wizmage does).

(Please note that we are sharing the above information as we have received it. Please ensure to conduct your own research before installing any of such extensions.)

davidt wrote on 20 Mar 2024 12:52:

I learnt about Wizmage from @frank.lee here. It's been a lifesaver at work. 
I did not know this edge trick and it looks like it'll be very helpful.
Obviously not even remotely comparable to a real filter, but at work where I can't install a filter it's been so helpful. I should also really install wizmage on my home browser since Techloq's skin tone filter can't filter google results images.

chooseurname wrote on 20 Mar 2024 13:17:

I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure that Wizmage wont help for that either. 

Huh, looks like you're right. I'll consider that a win that I had never noticed that.

To block images on emails:

For Outlook: Click on the File tab on top – Trust Center – Trust Center Settings – Make sure that “Don’t download pictures automatically” is checked for both standard HTML and encrypted or signed HTML messages

For Gmail: Click on Settings symbol on top – See all settings – Under the General tab – In Images row – Make sure “Ask before displaying external images” is checked off – Scroll to the bottom and click “Save Changes”
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Editors note:
In reference to the recent post regarding Netfree, it is important to note:

1. NetFree is a strong "filter"; however, having a high-standard whitelist filter from a frum filtering company will, in many cases, still be a better and more reliable option.
2. While NetFree is considered to be very reliable, as mentioned, it is not always the most practical option for everyone. Therefore, it is good to point out that other frum filter companies have recently established filters with standards similar to NetFree. Therefore, even if NetFree is not the option for you, find out from your filter company what is their best option most similar to NetFree —which filters on a level that exposes the user to the least nisyonos possible.

I use Wizmage and it's great, but some kinds of images wont get blocked. I use it along wiht a skin tone filter and between the two everything gets covered

Wizmage is available as an extension for Edge also.

Jewish Filters

16. It is important to use a filter that is inspected and certified by upstanding Jewish people who are involved in this holy work. This is because filters that non-Jews may consider to be strong by their standards would be considered weak by Jewish standards.

Apps

17. The fact is that many apps nowadays cannot be properly filtered on many devices. In many cases, filters do not work to cover images of people in apps. This means that even if a person has a good filter on his device, it will, in many cases, only work properly for the general browser but not for any apps.

Furthermore, if a filter company allows access to an app, not only will the app be unfiltered, the website on the browser that the app is connected to will many times also lose its ability to be filtered. For example, when a person leaves the Chase Bank app open, both the app and the Chase Bank website will be unfiltered in certain situations.

For this reason, one should only leave an app unblocked if he knows for certain that it contains no improper images or text. If it does contain immodest pictures or the like, it is forbidden to leave it unblocked. Instead, one would have to only use the website with a filtered browser.

If an Inappropriate Picture Pops Up

18. If an inappropriate image makes it through a filter and pops up on the screen, one must immediately look away without thinking about what he just saw. (As explained in the halachos of shemiras einayim)

Tip: If an inappropriate picture does pop up unexpectedly, one can click the “minimize” button (located in the top right corner of the page) right away. This will immediately cause the picture to become invisible, and one can then close the page or call the filter company to work it out.

19. If an inappropriate image or video pops up, and closing the full page is not an option for some reason, it is important to inform the filter company to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, both to this user and to others. Technology changes constantly and upgrades must be made, but unless the company is informed of the problem, it is very possible that they will not be aware that they need to fix it. Furthermore, problems can always occur with the filter on one’s computer and sometimes a glitch must simply be fixed.

Seeing Forbidden Sights “for Parnassah”

20. It is important to remember that the heter of “ba’avidteih tarid” (i.e., one who is busy doing work will not focus on things which distract him from his work) does not allow one to look at forbidden sights for parnassah. As such, if in order to do one’s job he must look at, or work with, immodest pictures, he should not assume that it is permitted. In each situation, one must seek guidance from a rav who is familiar with the circumstances and technicalities. (Shu”t Meishiv Nevonim, Inyanei Shidduchim V’Nesuin 53:6; Be’er Moshe vol. 4, 147:21; Chut Shani EH p. 70; as well as many other teshuvos from the leading contemporary poskim on this topic)

davidt wrote on 28 Mar 2024 14:08:

A while ago R’ Joey Habar said on a Vayimaen video of someone to decided not to visit Las Vegas, because Hashem has enough ways to send me money, I don’t have to do things that are against His will to make a parnassah.

May Hashem bless all Yidden with loads of wealth,

A Boss’s Responsibility

21. In order not to transgress the prohibition of “Lifnei iver lo sitein michshol, do not place a stumbling block in front of a blind person” (i.e., do not cause another person to sin), as well as the prohibition of “Mesayeia l’dvar aveirah, helping another person sin,” and, if many people work for the company, the prohibition of “machshil es harabbim, causing many people to sin,” it is the responsibility of a business owner or company manager to make sure that every device used by his employees is equipped with a good filter. He must install the filter even it costs him money. He should not give the workers unfiltered devices with the assumption that they will install filters on their own.

It is worthwhile to note that this does not only apply to computers. It is equally applicable to other devices that are internet-capable, such as tablets, phones, etc.

davidt wrote on 29 Mar 2024 13:44:

Why not?

Heeling wrote on 29 Mar 2024 14:06:

Please explain your question...