Why Ukrzaliznytsia’s Diia.Signature ticket policy is sparking outrage: legal risks and human rights in Ukraine
Starting August 2024, Ukrzaliznytsia is launching an experiment: for a range of key train routes, tickets can be purchased only after verifying identity with the “Diia.Signature” electronic ID. For some, this looks like a step into a new digital era. But for many passengers, human rights advocates, and legal experts, the move is seen as a direct violation of constitutional rights and the principle of equality. Why does this situation raise such serious legal and ethical concerns? Let’s break it down.
Ukrzaliznytsia has officially announced that, from August 1, for several major routes (Odesa-Kyiv, Lviv-Kyiv, Kyiv-Uzhhorod, Lviv-Odesa, Kyiv-Chop), tickets will only be available online with mandatory identity verification via “Diia.Signature.” Ticket offices for these routes will not operate. This means passengers must have a smartphone, the Diia app, and an electronic signature.
Legal Grounds and Key Violations
1. Constitution of Ukraine The Right to Freedom of Movement
Article 33 of the Constitution of Ukraine guarantees:
“Everyone who is legally present on the territory of Ukraine is guaranteed freedom of movement, free choice of place of residence, the right to freely leave the territory of Ukraine…”
Requiring Diia.Signature effectively creates a ban for those without digital identification from older adults to those who, for personal or religious reasons, do not use smartphones.
2. The Law of Ukraine “On Transport” Accessibility as a Fundamental Right
Article 7 states:
“Use of transport is one of the basic rights of the citizens of Ukraine and of persons staying on the territory of Ukraine.”
Ukrzaliznytsia, by denying access to transport services for those without Diia.Signature, narrows the circle of those who can realistically travel the country.
3. The Law “On Railway Transport” Equal Access
Article 6 clearly states:
“Citizens of Ukraine, as well as foreigners and stateless persons, have equal rights to use railway transport services.”
Mandatory verification via a national digital signature effectively excludes foreigners and a portion of Ukrainian citizens from these rights.
Discrimination: The Digital Divide and Rights of People with Disabilities
The Law “On the Foundations of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine” requires:
“The state ensures persons with disabilities unimpeded access to transport services.”
Not all people with disabilities can use gadgets or digital services. The decision also ignores age, social, and digital divides. As a result, many citizens are effectively deprived of their right to transport.
Personal Data and Digital Autonomy Concerns
The Law “On Personal Data Protection” guarantees the voluntary transfer of data:
“A personal data subject has the right to protection of their personal data…”
Ukrzaliznytsia does not offer alternatives, so a person is forced to agree to electronic identification and the transfer of their data into a digital system even if they do not want this.
Society’s Response and Expert Critique
Civil society leaders and politicians have already spoken out publicly. Taras Shamayda, a well-known public activist, wrote:
“Absolutely unlawful savagery… This is a return to totalitarian practices. If the decision is not canceled, I call on the government to intervene.”
Experts add: the lack of alternatives discriminates against older people, those from rural areas, foreigners, people with disabilities, and anyone who refuses electronic services for personal reasons.
International Standards and Ukraine’s Image
Ukrainian law must comply with international conventions. The European Convention on Human Rights (Article 2 of Protocol No. 4) guarantees:
“Everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall, within that territory, have the right to liberty of movement…”
The requirement for a Ukrainian digital signature effectively prevents tourists and visitors from accessing railway transport. According to the State Agency for Tourism Development, over 12 million foreign tourists may be blocked from travel.
Discrimination and Erosion of Constitutional Rights
Introducing mandatory verification through a single electronic service, without equal alternatives, is a direct violation of:
- The Constitution of Ukraine (Article 33)
- The Laws “On Transport”, “On Railway Transport”, “On Personal Data Protection”, “On Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities”, “On the Principles of Preventing and Combating Discrimination in Ukraine”
Discrimination lies in creating unequal conditions based on technology, age, citizenship, or physical ability.
The right to personal data protection is narrowed by the lack of choice.
What Can Be Done?
- Appealing this decision is possible through complaints to the Cabinet of Ministers, the Human Rights Commissioner, and the courts.
- Civil society organizations can initiate requests to ministries and international partners.
- Ukrzaliznytsia itself should develop equal alternatives paper tickets, working ticket offices, or other types of identification before scaling the digital model.
Digitalization Must Not Come at the Cost of Fundamental Rights
Innovation should balance convenience with human rights. Ukrzaliznytsia’s Diia.Signature requirement creates serious legal, social, and reputational risks for the state. Ukrainian and international law both forbid such narrowing of rights the decision must either be revoked or supplemented with alternatives for all groups of citizens.
The right to freedom of movement is fundamental. No digital initiative should stand in the way of this right.
About the Author
Related posts:
The Summer 2025 Ticket Crisis: Why Train Tickets Are Scarce and How to Secure Your Seat Without Overpaying 
Can TRCs Confiscate Driver’s Licenses at Checkpoints? Ukrainian Law, Procedures, and Your Rights 
Draft Law No. 9363: automated enforcement or threat to rights? Tackling debt in the age of automation 
Know Your Rights to Protect Yourself: How War-Time Lessons Help Children Survive
