All hail Google.
There is nothing like the trauma that comes with seeing a TV spoiler. NOTHING. Google, in thier infinite and gloriously innovative wisdom, understand this, which is why they’ve just applied for a patent to develop what is possibly the greatest invention of modern TV times.
It looks like Google are hoping to create some kind of magical ‘Spoiler Blocking’ feature, that will stop you from ever again finding out who’s died on Game of Thrones before you’ve seen the episode.
Read more: An etiquette guide to TV spoilers in the modern age.
The patent application is very tech-speaky, but this is probably the most relevant paragraph:
A method comprising: receiving activity data describing an activity performed by a first user; determining a first progress stage for a subject associated with the activity based at least in part on the activity data; receiving content data published by a second user; determining whether the content data includes a spoiler for the first user based at least in part on the first progress stage; responsive to determining that the content data includes the spoiler, obscuring the content data published by the second user from the first user; generating a spoiler warning indicating that the obscured content data includes the spoiler; and providing the spoiler warning to the first user.
Um…
It’s basically saying that Google thinks they can track where you’re up to in your viewing schedule, and you can elect to turn on a feature that will hide any spoilers from popping up in your face while you’re online. So, essentially, you won’t have to be terrified to go on the internet until after you’ve seen the latest GOT/Scandal/House of Cards etc.
This is a particularly good idea for people who watch TV at their own pace on Netflix, and also for pretty much anyone who lives in Australia – a country whose citizens are cruelly forced to live with the constant threat of spoilers hanging over their heads.
Let’s wait and see if this patent leads to anything…
