Over the last year, government-run internet blackouts have increased a great deal around the world, including in India, Myanmar, and Ukraine. Most often states pursue this form of digital authoritarianism due to current or upcoming conflict (and coups), marking internet shutdowns as an indicator of imminent negative government action. These shutdowns are used to either carry out government raids on civilian and party opposition, to stem protests and conflict, or to prevent cheating on nationwide standardized exams. While internet shutdowns carry a large humanitarian cost, they have also economically burdened the states that employ them. Disconnecting businesses, hospitals, and people in a nation not only makes it more difficult for people to access necessities such as medical care, water, and electricity, but also hinders businesses and students. Internet blackouts have become a dangerous tool for governments seeking increased control, especially because the impacts are not well documented.