The problem of active SETI: An overview

In the present paper (originally presented at the First IAA Symposium on Searching for Life Signatures hold at the UNESCO on 22–26 September 2008) I try to summarize the results of all my previous studies on active SETI and its possible dangers for us, also considering some new topics, in order to provide a possibly complete overview of the whole matter. First, I try to evaluate the possible risks of an indirect contact with aliens, from the social, cultural, and religious point of view; then, the possible risks related with receiving information about alien science and technology; finally, the risk that active SETI could increase the probability of a physical contact with hostile aliens. My conclusion is that active SETI is very unlikely to be dangerous for us, but, at present, such a possibility cannot be completely excluded. Surprisingly, it turns out that a very important point to be assessed in order to improve our evaluation of active SETI is the pace of our technological progress. Some suggestions about the policy that international community should adopt towards active SETI are also included.

► I made an overview of the possible risks of sending messages to other civilizations.
► It turned out that active SETI is not significantly more dangerous than passive SETI.
► Surprisingly, active SETI is more dangerous at a long range than at a short range.
► To assess the critical range we must establish at what distance Earth can be detected.
► The other crucial factor is to establish the pace of our technological progress.