Corrected entry: Cloning was neither "Dark Science" nor "Secrets only the Sith knew." It was a massively common practice used for decades before this movie, by both sides.
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Correction: Presumably the "dark science" that is referenced has to do with cloning someone without having any of their biological matter to duplicate. Palpatine's body is entirely destroyed in Return of the Jedi, and as Poe (in an unfathomably stupid line) states "Somehow, Palpatine has returned." Cloning was obviously well known but the means to bring back Palpatine, though never explained, were secrets only the Sith knew. Somehow. It's contrived and terrible writing but that's what the lines mean.
BaconIsMyBFF
In addition, other clones (like the clone army from 50 years earlier) were individuals who were individually taught and trained. Palpatine managed to clone himself and keep all his memories intact.
LorgSkyegon