Scheduled Launch of Russian Messenger "Molnya" in September
As of mid-2025, no verified information or reported concerns about a Russian-Chinese developed app named "Lightning" intended to replace foreign alternatives on various online platforms have surfaced. The app, which has garnered over 500,000 preliminary registrations, has not been mentioned in authoritative news, regulatory updates, or market-related sources.
While geopolitical and cybersecurity concerns around Russian and Chinese apps replacing foreign tech are a topic of discussion, the absence of specific data about the "Lightning" app suggests it may be obscure, newly launched without public scrutiny, or misidentified. Notably, increased regulatory changes in China focus on certifications and cybersecurity but do not mention this app. Similarly, trade relations between Russia and China show market saturation and economic slowdown effects but do not discuss digital platform substitutions.
The "Lightning" app, set to be officially presented on September 4, is expected to combine the functions of messengers, social networks, payments, and online shopping. Functionally, it will be similar to its predecessor, the "Max" messenger, which has faced criticism with a rating of 3.5 on app download platforms. Users wishing to register for the "Lightning" app will have to wait until September.
One concern raised by technical and information security specialist Sergei Trutchev is the potential vulnerability of the "Lightning" app due to its reliance on a single stack of protocols. Users of the "Max" messenger, meanwhile, have expressed dissatisfaction over the inability to create their own channels. Journalist Anastasia Kashirova has stated that currently, it is impossible for anyone to register their own channel in the "Max" messenger, even for verified individuals or well-known journalists.
A key advantage of the "Lightning" app is its use of encryption with GOST, a feature that sets it apart from some foreign alternatives. The developers plan to increase the "Lightning" app's audience to 15 million users. However, it's important to note that as of now, no new standalone facts about the "Lightning" app have been presented beyond what has been detailed above.
As the launch of the "Lightning" app approaches, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the market and whether it can successfully replace foreign alternatives as intended. Further details or updates about the app are likely to emerge as it becomes more publicly available.
The "Lightning" app, due for official presentation on September 4, is poised to revolutionize technology and artificial-intelligence integration, merging messengers, social networks, payments, and online shopping in a single platform. Gadget enthusiasts and tech analysts are closely monitoring its development, given its potential to leverage GOST encryption for enhanced security, a feature some foreign alternatives lack. On the other hand, concerns such as potential single stack protocol vulnerabilities and lack of customizable channels persist, as voiced by technical and information security specialist Sergei Trutchev and journalist Anastasia Kashirova.
