OpenTable is barring restaurants from sharing data with rival booking services without its permission, intensifying a fight for control of the information diners disclose when they make reservations online. The table-booking service will block restaurants from giving competitors access to diner data acquired through OpenTable unless they pay new fees, according to its updated client agreement and a copy of a new pricing plan viewed by The Wall Street Journal. ...
Table reservation service OpenTable is changing its rules to allow restaurants sharing valuable pricing data with rival booking providers without permission . Customer data is used to help restaurants target diners , alter menus and track spending . Amazon - backed rival SevenRooms offers a similar approach and some restaurant owners have accused OpenTable of attempting to exclude its competitor from the marketplace . However , OpenTable said the changes were about protecting diner privacy , not preventing competition . OpenTable is reportedly considering charging restaurants a fee for integrating both companies ' systems , while others said the companies are in discussions to resolve the issue .