The Department of Government Efficiency has shaken up U.S. politics since its inception, prompting readers to ask us whether DOGE is a "real agency."
The article from Snopes, published on March 28, 2025, discusses the legal implications and origins of the "Doge" meme, which features a Shiba Inu named Kabosu. Originally posted in 2010 by Kabosu's owner, Atsuko Sato, on her blog, the image became a viral meme known for its humorous, broken English captions. The article explains how the meme has transcended its internet origins to influence various aspects of culture, including cryptocurrency with Dogecoin, and has even led to legal considerations regarding copyright and ownership rights. It highlights the complexities of meme culture intersecting with intellectual property law, especially as Kabosu's image has been used commercially without direct financial benefit to Sato. The piece also touches on the broader implications of internet culture on legal frameworks, questioning how creators can protect their content in the digital age.