SETI
Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence
An anomalous, narrow-band burst of radio noise picked up on August 15, 1977, during SETI observations by the Big ear of the Ohio State University radio observatory.The signal, which lasted 37 seconds and came from the direction of Sagittarius, attracted the attention of Ohio State astronomer Jerry Ehman, who scrawled "Wow!" in the margin of the print-out. It was, said Ehman.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Wow_signal.jpg
If seti does make 'first contact' government protocol is to contact authorities regarding the signals, first pre-cautions would be to run analysis then can be deemed dangerous or safe and if it will be revealed to the public about the finding.
Going by what the government has denied/covered over the last 60-years I wouldn't expect any big announcements anytime soon.
Just wanted some opinions & thoughts on SETI
Reference:
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/W/Wow.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SETI