Shade Network, a newly launched privacy-focused Layer-2 blockchain project, is under scrutiny following allegations of potential links to a previous rug pull and phishing risks. Critics on Crypto Twitter have raised concerns about the project's lack of verifiable fundamentals and possible connections to a team that allegedly scammed $1.8 million in a prior presale. Despite the controversy, Shade Network has not confirmed any wrongdoing. The project, which claims to offer privacy-first solutions on Ethereum, has yet to launch a live network or token. It has only released a waitlist and early branding materials, with no public testnet code or technical documentation available. Multiple wallet providers have flagged the project's website as potentially harmful, raising further security concerns. Amid these allegations, several early promoters have retracted their support, citing recycled accounts and security warnings. Critics argue that the project's narrative-driven hype lacks technical substance, urging users to avoid interactions with Shade Network until independent verification is provided.