Iran cutting off its Internet wasn’t a show of strength. It was a sign of panic.

Blacking out the Internet has become a popular tactic for governments hoping to quell internal rebellion and protest. In the past year alone, there have been more than 100 shutdowns in 29 countries, including Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Sudan and Ethiopia, according to the digital rights group Access Now. In August, the Indian government shut off Internet and phone service to Kashmir after revoking the region’s autonomy. Last month, Iran, too, imposed a blackout after protests erupted over a significant hike in gas prices. The government shut down Internet and wireless data services for five days as it violently quelled demonstrations, killing at least 180 people.