MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Aide German Klimenko believes that the blocking of the Telegram messenger in Russia will not affect life here, he told TASS.

Tagansky Court earlier satisfied an appeal to block Telegram in Russia and authorized Russia’s Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media to do it immediately.

"I believe that any company working in Russia and providing services to Russian citizens should cooperate with law enforcement authorities in accordance with the law. The blocking of Telegram will not affect the Russians’ life at all," Klimenko commented on the situation. There are worthy alternatives, such as ICQ, Viber and WhatsApp, he said.

Director of the Association of Electronic Communications Sergei Plugotarenko believes that the court’s decision cannot be called unexpected. "It’s been a long time coming, obviously. Everyone who is watching the process has been shocked these days with the frenzy around VPN/Proxy and settings to bypass the possible blocking. Plus discussions about social effects of Telegram’s blocking and even economic effects," he told TASS. The expert believes that the "fever pitch will rise following the court’s decision."

According to Plugotarenko, a few days may be needed to implement the court’s decision. "Meanwhile, emotions will either subside or will run high again (and it will be clear from the developments whether anyone is managing this process or not,)" he added.