[Swimming. Photo credit to Pixabay]

The Australian Greens are warning that a proposed new anti-siphoning law could prevent sports events from being broadcasted for free on streaming services.

This law was originally designed to ensure that major sporting events are available on free-to-air television rather than being siphoned off exclusively to subscription services, and aims to prevent major sports from being monopolized by pay-TV providers.

However, the new changes to this law would also apply to streaming services, thus requiring viewers to pay for subscriptions to watch these events online.

This will impact Australians by making them miss highlights of games they currently enjoy without cost.

Last year, millions of people watched the Matildas World Cup for free, but this would no longer be possible if the federal law changes.

The Greens, a progressive political party in Australia known for advocating environmental and social justice issues, and their supporters have been trying to get the law discarded.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young joined the debate and is now attempting to make all sport events free for all Australians.

She argues that otherwise, people will have to pay subscription fees to mjaor streaming companies to watch sports.

The Australian government is trying to modify the law through the Prominence and anti- siphoning bill, but some say these changes are not strong enough.

If the bill passes in its current form, companies like Amazon, Apple, and Disney would be prevented from buying broadcast rights to major events like the AFL and the Olympic Games.

Instead, they could still acquire digital rights, possibly blocking millions of viewers from watching sports for free on streaming services.

On Thursday morning, Senator Hanson-Young spoke out against the anti-siphoning amendments on TV.

“I want to make sure the millions of Australians who love their sport whether it’s football, cricket, or watching the beloved Matilda’s, are able to watch those games for free,” she said.

Additionally, she has joined forces with politicians Jacqui Lambie and Barnaby Joyce, who also do not support the law.

On Wednesday, Lambie gave a stern warning about the new legislation on TV.

Free streaming services in Australia have launched a “Free Sport is on the Line” advertising campaign to bring attention to this issue.

Jeff Howard, CEO of Seven West Media, says the government should pay more attention to how people watch TV now.

“It must recognise the way people watch sport is changing and extend the amendments to the anti siphoning regime to include free streaming,” he said.

CEO of Nine, Mike Sneesby, believes Australians should have the right to watch and enjoy games for free, in any way they choose.

“We need the government to deliver the anti siphoning framework that ensures we can continue to provide this for all Australians,” he stated.

The anti-siphoning laws are being debated, and people like Sarah Hanson-Young and Jacqui Lambie are fighting for the ability to watch sports for free.

Will sports continue to be free like always, or will Australians have to pay for subscriptions to watch their favorite events? Only time will tell.