Browser extensions use the force to block Star Wars spoilers from pages

Google Chrome extensions help keep fans in the dark

Courtesy: Google Chrome

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’ve no doubt heard something about the latest installment in the Star Wars franchise. 

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens in theaters Thursday. 

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Die-hard fans who have waited for years to hear that familiar opening theme music don’t want to know spoilers before they see the movie on the big screen. 

Enter Google Chrome extensions targeted specifically to block content that might contain spoilers for the seventh installment. 

The two extensions currently available are Star Wars Spoiler Blocker and Force Block: Star Wars Spoiler Blocker. 

Star Wars Spoiler Blocker already has more than 14,000 downloads. This extension blurs pages if spoilers are detected, but reviews have been mixed. One review notes the extension “flags way too aggressively to be useful. Blocks Gmail, Amazon and even it’s own website.” Another reviewer says it’s the “BEST EXTENSION EVER.”

The second extension, Force Block: Star Wars Spoiler Blocker, blocks pages with smart pattern detection. 

People who were able to view the film before its release helped contribute key phrases that help the extension target more specific spoilers. 

By comparison, this extension has far fewer users, barley more than 80. Reviews for this one have been mixed, just like the other.