OpenTable Integrates CLEAR's Digital Vaccine Card

New Vaccination Verification Tools for Indoor Dining

Several major cities, including New York City, San Francisco, and New Orleans, are implementing COVID-19 vaccination requirements for indoor dining experiences. In response, OpenTable, a leading online restaurant reservation platform, is introducing new functionalities designed to assist restaurants in efficiently managing vaccination checks.

OpenTable Partners with CLEAR

OpenTable has announced a collaboration with CLEAR, a biometric security firm, to facilitate the creation of digital vaccine cards for users. This partnership aims to simplify the verification process for both restaurants and diners.

CLEAR initially gained prominence through a subscription-based service that accelerates airport security procedures. This service utilizes biometric scanning – specifically, eye and facial recognition – to confirm user identities.

Introducing CLEAR’s Health Pass

Following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, CLEAR launched Health Pass, a complimentary service enabling users to digitally store and present proof of their vaccination status. The integration of CLEAR’s digital vaccine card into OpenTable’s platform will begin in September, becoming available on both iOS and Android applications.

When making a reservation at a restaurant enforcing vaccination policies, users will encounter a CLEAR banner on their confirmation page. Selecting this banner will initiate the process of creating a CLEAR digital vaccine card.

Upon arrival for their reservation, diners can access their digital vaccine card by clicking the CLEAR button displayed on the reservation confirmation page. OpenTable assures users that it will not retain any personal health information or vaccination card data.

Verification Methods with CLEAR

CLEAR leverages a network of vaccine providers and pharmacies to validate user vaccination records. Alternatively, users can submit a Smart-QR code, issued to individuals vaccinated in New York, California, or at Walmart locations.

While these methods offer digital verification, CLEAR also permits users to upload images of their physical CDC vaccination cards. However, this approach is considered less secure due to the absence of an additional verification layer.

According to a CLEAR representative speaking with TechCrunch, “CLEAR employs image recognition technology to confirm the authenticity of CDC vaccine card photos, thereby enhancing security against fraudulent submissions.” The process requires users to upload a government-issued identification and a selfie for identity verification.

Combating Fake Vaccine Cards

These digital verification systems are intended to mitigate the risk of individuals presenting counterfeit vaccine cards or utilizing the cards of others. This is particularly relevant as some restaurants may not routinely cross-reference vaccine cards with customer identification.

New York State utilizes the Excelsior Pass app, which allows users to verify their vaccination status through their health records. However, Hawaii remains the sole other state to have adopted comparable technology, while several states have enacted prohibitions against such practices.

OpenTable’s Existing Verification Features

Earlier this month, OpenTable introduced features allowing restaurants to designate “Proof of Vaccination” as a safety measure on their profile pages. Diners can also independently “get verified” to demonstrate compliance with entry requirements at specific restaurants or restaurant groups.

Once a diner has verified their vaccination status at a particular establishment, they will not be required to present their vaccine card on subsequent visits. This verification applies to individual diners and does not extend to their entire party.

OpenTable has also recently implemented a direct messaging feature, enabling diners to communicate with restaurants regarding evolving dining restrictions.