The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) has approved updated "Principles of Conduct for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" — a document that defines how astronomers and the scientific community should act in the event of detecting signals or traces of an extraterrestrial civilization. The new version pays special attention to the realities of the modern world: the spread of disinformation, potential deepfakes, and pressure from social media, reports Space.com.

Transparency first

One of the main innovations is a clear requirement for maximum openness. If a signal is confirmed, the information must be made public as quickly as possible. No secret archives or government "alien folders."

"If we ever find a credible signal, the public will know about it. It won't be hidden in a government safe," emphasized Michael Garrett, Chair of the IAA SETI Permanent Committee and one of the authors of the updated document.

Garrett, who holds a professorship in astrophysics at the University of Manchester, together with anthropologist Kathryn Denning, lawyer Lesley Tennen, and science communications specialist Carol Oliver, prepared the new version of the protocols, which first appeared back in the late 1980s.

Who might make the discovery

The document's authors emphasize an important point: the first evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence will most likely be discovered not by a SETI specialist but by an astronomer studying completely different objects.

"Most often, it will be someone looking for something else in the data who stumbles upon an anomaly that cannot be explained by familiar phenomena," Garrett noted.

In such a case, the scientist may be unprepared for pressure from the media and social networks. This is why the protocols describe steps in detail: from thorough independent verification of the signal to proper communication with the press and the scientific community.

Basic rules

After confirmation of the discovery, the information must be transmitted to the scientific community, the UN Secretary-General, and made public. At the same time, it is important to protect the signal frequency from terrestrial interference and continue monitoring.

Special attention is paid to the question of responding to a possible signal. The protocols do not prohibit sending messages to aliens (METI), but recommend conducting broad international consultations and not making a decision alone. The final word in such a case should remain with the UN.

Societal reaction and the role of scientists

The document's authors acknowledge that astronomers are not obligated to take responsibility for all the social consequences of a discovery. Their task is to provide verified data. Further questions — from the reactions of religions and governments to the impact on society — should be handled by specialists from various fields: lawyers, anthropologists, ethicists, and communications experts.

To this end, a permanent subcommittee including representatives from different disciplines will operate under the IAA SETI committee.

In brief

The International Academy of Astronautics has updated its "Principles of Conduct for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence," adapting them to the era of social media, AI, and deepfakes. The document emphasizes the need for maximum transparency: after confirmation of a discovery, the information must be made public. Special attention is given to thorough signal verification, data protection, and international consultations before any response to a possible message. The authors hope that clear rules will help the scientific community handle one of the most important events in human history with dignity.