Using Buoys in Alien-Controlled Space
In v2.7.1 and earlier, the AI will tolerate the presence of sensor buoys from neutral races. That changes in v3.0
Any sensor buoy belonging to a neutral race will be eliminated by the AI if detected within what it regards as its territory. This follows the same mechanics as eliminating hostile buoys in any system.
The tonnage of detected sensor buoys will be included for the purposes of affecting diplomatic relations in a given system, with the existing minimum of 1000 tons. So a single sensor buoy will count as a 1000 ton ship if there are no other detected assets in the system.
As an alien race cannot directly contact a sensor buoy, if there are no other player assets in the same system and communications have been established, it will instead send a message to a detected population or ship in a different system to register a protest about the buoy. If there are no detected populations or ships in other systems, or communication have not been established, there will be no warning that relations are deteriorating.