The Time magazine recognized the Ukrainian Diia app’s online marriage service as one of the best inventions of 2024. This annual spotlight on innovative new products and ideas has been ongoing for over two decades. The Diia mobile app, often referred to as “the country in the smartphone,” was launched by the Digital Transformation Ministry in 2020. With over 130 services available on the app, it is used by more than 20 million Ukrainians. One of the unique features of the app is the ability for couples to apply, propose, and get married online, regardless of their physical location. This digitalization of the marriage process has been particularly significant for Ukrainian soldiers who may be on the front lines, as it allows them to marry without being physically present.
Ukraine has become the first country to fully digitize the marriage process, offering a solution for couples separated by war. Since the start of the full-scale war, nearly a million people have been defending the country, and the Diia app has facilitated online marriages for them. According to the Digital Transformation Ministry, as of September 20, there have been 251 couples who have gotten married through the app, with 3,200 applications for marriage and almost 830,000 proposals recorded. The convenience of the app extends beyond online marriages, allowing users to access official documents like passports and driver’s licenses, as well as register businesses or pay taxes with ease.
The Diia mobile app has played a significant role in uniting couples like Olha Shevchenko and Mykyta Pukhkan, who were among the first to marry using the application. Their online marriage in September was a unique experience made possible by the innovative features of the Diia app. With the ability to choose a place and date for their wedding ceremony, couples can now marry online regardless of their physical proximity. The app has provided a solution for couples separated by distance, whether due to military service or other reasons, making the marriage process more accessible and convenient for many Ukrainians.
The success of the Diia app’s online marriage service has been a testament to the power of digital transformation in simplifying and modernizing traditional processes. By offering a seamless and efficient way for couples to marry online, the app has facilitated over 250 marriages and thousands of applications within a short period. This digitalization of the marriage process has not only made it more convenient for users but has also opened up new possibilities for those in unique situations, such as soldiers on the front lines. The Diia app’s innovative approach to online marriages has set a precedent for other countries to consider similar digital solutions for various processes.
As Ukraine continues to lead the way in digital innovation with the Diia mobile app, it highlights the importance of utilizing technology to enhance everyday activities and services. The convenience of being able to access official documents, register businesses, pay taxes, and now even get married online demonstrates the broad impact of digital transformation. By incorporating such advancements into daily life, Ukraine is setting a standard for efficiency and accessibility that can benefit its citizens and improve overall societal processes. The recognition of the Diia app’s online marriage service by Time magazine as one of the best inventions of 2024 further solidifies the app’s success and the impact it has had on the lives of many Ukrainians.
Overall, the Diia app’s online marriage service represents a significant step towards digitalizing traditional processes and making them more accessible and convenient for users. The app’s success in facilitating online marriages for couples separated by war and other circumstances demonstrates the potential for technology to revolutionize everyday activities. As Ukraine continues to lead the way in digital innovation, the Diia app serves as a shining example of how technology can simplify and enhance various aspects of life. By recognizing the app as one of the best inventions of 2024, Time magazine has shed light on the impact of digital transformation in modern society and the potential for further advancements in the digital space.
