I wrote yesterday that William Shatner was struggling to get Snapchat to sort out an account using his name. Now it turns out the person using it is a big fan and was happy to give it to him.
In fact, he’s her favorite actor:
https://twitter.com/ckc1003/status/608082701325758464
https://twitter.com/ckc1003/status/608090458888101888
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https://twitter.com/ckc1003/status/608098921366233088
Still, Bill’s still not happy with Snapchat (or my original story, actually):
I now have the account no thanks at all to @Snapchat support! Total strangers got it done! Support needs to be fired https://t.co/ADUBT0G2UA
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 9, 2015
I'll alert CNN with that thrilling bit of news! https://t.co/mq0moGGM9p
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 9, 2015
Original story follows…
Thought you’d boldly gone where no Snapchatter has gone before by befriending William Shatner on the service? Well, you’re not buddies with the real Bill. He’s not got an account and isn’t happy about the impostor.
Shatner tried to sign up for Snapchat last September, but immediately noticed that someone else had nabbed his name:
@liahaberman I actually went and downloaded @Snapchat only to discover that someone has my name. I don't respect platforms that do that.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) September 20, 2014
The app doesn’t have the same kind of verification process as Twitter, Vine or Facebook, and the Star Trek actor is still trying to get the whole thing straightened out.
@WilliamShatner we are so sorry you've experienced this! please report impersonation here and we will investigate: https://t.co/onoSKbbjP7
— Snapchat Support (@snapchatsupport) June 7, 2015
I have. Being proactive with a tweet because I will refuse to send a copy of my drivers lic. Now you know it's me.😀 https://t.co/dIdqBBkm4X
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 7, 2015
Shatner has a history of testing new tech – he reviewed Facebook’s celeb-focused Mentions app and was a Periscope beta tester. It’s not clear if he considers that his captain’s vlog.
The Star Trek legend’s issues with Snapchat’s lack of verification are just one notable example. It’s clear that the service needs to do better when it comes to ensuring the people you follow are really who they say they are.
Read next: Why Snapchat is outliving and outpacing the competition
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