Life outside Earth: scientists create new rules for possible encounters

The IAA (International Academy of Astronautics, in free translation) presented, last Friday (5), updated rules for evaluating and revealing the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence.

The guidelines guide individuals, institutions and organizations participating in the search for technosignatures (defined as observable evidence of technology built or used by extraterrestrial beings) or evidence of intelligent life and technology, past or present, beyond Earth.

The guidelines, which address the current realities of social media, AI-generated disinformation, deepfakes and 24-hour news cycles, were constructed by Professor Michael Garrett (University of Manchester), Chair of the IAA SETI Committee, with input from an international team of experts.

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The document's overarching goal is to conduct the search for extraterrestrial intelligence in a scientifically and academically rigorous manner, balancing the imperative of providing timely and accurate information to a broad audience with due consideration for the safety and exposure of the scientists involved, recognizing that the scientific and communications landscape is constantly changing.

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The document highlighted eight principles to be followed.

The first would be the treatment of candidate evidence, which corresponds to the fact that in the event of a supposed detection of extraterrestrial intelligence, the discoverer must make every effort to authenticate and prove the detection. Maintaining scientific responsibility and integrity throughout the process, recognizing humanity's interest in discovery.

The second would be communication and information sharing, which advises that institutions and organizations must take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their researchers and protect them from negative professional repercussions. Responding appropriately to reasonable requests from news outlets, social media platforms, and other public media outlets.

The third is communication of verification, that is, when there is a signal or other evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, the discoverers or their institutions must immediately communicate this conclusion in a complete, open and transparent manner to the public, the scientific community and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The fourth would be data monitoring, archiving and accessibility. The results must be preserved and disseminated to the international scientific community through peer-reviewed publications. All relevant data must be recorded, stored securely and archived to the greatest extent possible in at least two repositories located in different geographic regions.

The fifth is the protection of data and frequencies. Detection evidence must be protected using scientific practices, including tamper-proof records and preventive protocols.

The sixth is the post-detection protocol. Therefore, the IAA will maintain a Post-Detection Subcommittee to assist and advise on issues that may arise following a confirmed detection. This subcommittee will support scientific and public analysis by offering guidance, interpretation, and discussion of the broader implications of the discovery.

The seventh is communications with extraterrestrial intelligence after confirmed detection. Researchers should cooperate with appropriate international consultations to assess whether a response to a confirmed detection of extraterrestrial intelligence should be sent and, if so, what its content should be. These consultations should take place through the United Nations and other broadly representative international bodies.

The eighth is ethical and legal considerations. Researchers must adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring cooperation, honesty and integrity in all aspects of their work. Having to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

The SETI Institute is a non-profit organization, founded in 1984, whose mission is to lead humanity's quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the Universe and to share this knowledge with the world.

*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix

Source: CNN