How are they getting my technology?

[Minor Annoyance]

One of my vassals had technology I wanted so I researched what I knew they didn't have, but by the time I had it they did too. This happened every time. I then assumed they had The Eyes and Ears network but it turns out they didn't. How is this happening? I'm playing as the Mercurians so is it possible my teammate is giving or selling all the technology we research to them?

 

[Blackmantle]

Yes. Had just that thing with summoning Basium (and not switching to him.)

Your AI permanent alliance-partners will gift equal techs to their Vasalls. For free.

That makes Summoning Basium even crappier than it is anyways (massive Tech penalty by doubeling all tech costs as well as beeing drawn into various wars with Veil People. So just get him to switch to him. Whould even go as far as saying its good to see an AI summoning him for the rest of the game it will be handicapped.)

So i belive you just have one turn time to trade if any. So no vassalizing with Basium if you want to keep your Vassals down techwise. (and if you are not in the undercouncil and have denied tech-trade outside they sure trade those techs far and wide...)

On a game of high difficulty where others are far ahead techwise and you are in Overcouncil it may! help dominating the council though since that gives an additional Vote (so up to 4 Votes as Malakim or 5 as Malakim with formerly permanently allieing with another AI). With clever trading the Tech-Penalty may not hurt all that bad then (Even if your regular Research will be all down the drain then.).