Is the rule "what is forbidden to do is forbidden to watch" absolute in all circumstances, and is reading about something the same as watching it, or are there specific regulations for it?

The rule "everything whose action is forbidden is also forbidden to look at" means that it is forbidden to look at prohibited actions. Jurists explain this by saying that looking at them is considered aiding in sin or being pleased with it.

This rule applies to direct viewing, as well as to watching through channels if the channels benefit from a large number of viewers.

The issue of viewing can be controlled by two criteria: first, that the viewing involves aiding or supporting the perpetrators of evil; and second, that the viewer himself falls into an evil, such as watching nakedness or listening to music.

Watching a smoker up close necessitates enjoining good according to one's ability. However, watching him through television is not forbidden if it does not constitute aiding him.

Reading differs from being present and watching. Simply reading about disbelievers or about someone smoking does not imply approval, pleasure, or aid.