Is working for a company that specializes in distinguishing and processing pornographic images, where this requires viewing them for the purpose of developing programs to detect them, considered forbidden in Islam, knowing that dealing with them is purely professional?

If the work aims to prevent inappropriate images and films from reaching people, then it is permissible, even if it requires viewing a part of them. This is on condition that it is necessary and serves a [public] interest, that it is done with extreme caution, and that the worker immediately stops if he feels he might be drawn into what is impermissible.