Spoiler alerts could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to Google's new patent

Soon, you could watch TV whenever you want, without fear of spoilers.
(Image credit: iStock)

If you've missed an episode of your favorite show, you'll probably try to avoid Twitter the next day. But now, Google has a patent that could save you from living in fear of spoilers.

The "anti-spoiler" patent, which the U.S. awarded Google on Tuesday, suggests that Google plans to create a system to track your TV or movie viewing process, using social networks, and the system will hide information about shows or movies you haven't seen. That way, if a friend posts something about a Game of Thrones death, you won't be spoiled before watching the episode.

Quartz explains that Google's system would blur social media posts and create a pop-up warning message before displaying the potential spoiler. However, Google hasn't specified whether the system would be used with Facebook and Twitter, or with other social networks.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.