=== Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator ===
Contributors: cookiebot
Tags: privacy policy, gdpr, ccpa, compliance, privacy
Requires at least: 6.0
Tested up to: 6.9.1
Requires PHP: 7.4
Stable tag: 1.0.1
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Generate GDPR, CCPA & global privacy and cookie policies automatically. Stay compliant, build trust, and save time with Usercentrics.

== Description ==

The Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator helps WordPress site owners comply with GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, COPPA, and other global privacy laws. Generate a tailored privacy policy instantly, available in multiple languages, and automatically updated when regulations change — ensuring your site stays legally compliant worldwide.

== Third-Party Service Usage ==

This plugin relies on Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator, a third-party service, to retrieve and display privacy policy content.

**Service Provider:** Usercentrics GmbH (https://usercentrics.com/)

**What data is sent:**
* Your Policy ID (configured in plugin settings)
* Visitor's browser language preference (for multi-language support)

**When data is sent:**
* Every time a visitor loads your privacy policy page

**Why data is sent:**
* To fetch and display your customized privacy policy content

**Important:** No personal information, visitor data, or tracking information is transmitted to this service. The plugin only retrieves the policy content that you have created in your Usercentrics dashboard.

**Legal Information:**
* Service Terms: https://usercentrics.com/terms-of-service/
* Privacy Policy: https://usercentrics.com/privacy-policy/
* Service URL: https://policygenerator.usercentrics.eu/

== Source Code ==

The complete source code for this plugin, including all uncompiled JavaScript and CSS files, is available on GitHub:
https://github.com/Usercentrics/wordpress-privacy-policy-generator

Build instructions and development documentation are included in the repository.

**Key Features:**

* **Comply with global privacy laws** - Automatically generate privacy policies that meet GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, COPPA, and US state privacy requirements.
* **Automatic updates when laws change** - Stay compliant without manual edits — your policy updates automatically whenever privacy regulations evolve.
* **Multilingual support** - Create policies in English, German, Italian, and Dutch to match your website's language and region.
* **Covers privacy and cookie policies** - Generate both privacy and cookie policies tailored to your website's data collection practices.
* **Quick setup in minutes** - Answer a few questions and instantly publish a fully compliant, ready-to-use policy on your WordPress site.
* **Trusted by 2.3M+ websites worldwide** - Built by Usercentrics — a global leader in privacy and consent management, serving billions of user consents monthly.
* **Seamless integration with Usercentrics CMP** - Connect your privacy policy with the Usercentrics Consent Management Platform for full compliance and transparency.
* **Always compliant, always current** - Eliminate legal risk with automatic updates, transparent data collection disclosures, and centralized policy management.

**How It Works:**

1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Create your privacy policy on [Usercentrics](https://policygenerator.usercentrics.eu/)
3. Copy your Policy ID from the Usercentrics dashboard
4. Go to Settings → PPG by Usercentrics
5. Paste your Policy ID and select which page should display the policy
6. Save settings - done!

Your privacy policy will now appear automatically on the selected page, always up-to-date with your latest changes on Usercentrics.

== Use Cases ==

This plugin is perfect for:

**Web agencies and freelancers**
Manage privacy compliance across multiple client sites with automated GDPR and CCPA policy generation and updates — no manual work or legal complexity.

**E-commerce store owners**
Keep customer data protected and policies compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and other global laws. Automatic updates ensure continuous compliance while you focus on sales.

**Bloggers and creators**
Add a professional, legally compliant privacy policy in minutes. Strengthen trust with readers while staying up to date with global privacy requirements.

**Startups and small businesses**
Launch quickly with a ready-to-use, compliant privacy and cookie policy. Stay protected and aligned with changing data protection laws worldwide.

**Marketing and compliance teams**
Centralize privacy policy management across languages and regions. Ensure every website remains current and transparent with zero maintenance effort.

**Developers and WordPress professionals**
Deliver privacy-compliant websites by default. Integrate Usercentrics to provide clients with a reliable, automated privacy and cookie policy solution.

== Why Choose This Plugin ==

**Built by privacy experts**
Developed by Usercentrics, a global leader in privacy and consent management trusted by over 2.3 million websites worldwide.

**Automatic compliance management**
Save time and reduce risk with policies that update automatically whenever privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, or CPRA change.

**Comprehensive legal coverage**
Covers key global regulations — including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, COPPA, and new U.S. state laws — to keep your website fully compliant.

**Effortless setup and maintenance**
Generate and publish your privacy and cookie policies in just a few minutes, with no legal expertise or coding required.

**Multilingual and globally scalable**
Create policies in multiple languages to serve international audiences and maintain consistency across all your sites.

**Part of a trusted compliance ecosystem**
Connect with the Usercentrics Consent Management Platform to manage cookies, consent, and policies from one place.

== Integration ==

Works seamlessly with:

* **All WordPress themes** - No theme modifications needed
* **Translation plugins:** WPML, Polylang, TranslatePress
* **Caching plugins:** WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache
* **Security plugins:** Wordfence, Sucuri, iThemes Security

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin files to `/wp-content/plugins/privacy-policy-usercentrics/`, or install via WordPress Plugin Directory
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' screen in WordPress
3. Follow the welcome screen instructions
4. Go to Settings → Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator to configure

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Q1: Do I need a Usercentrics account? =

Yes. You'll create a free account on the Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator platform to build your privacy policy and receive your unique Policy ID. It only takes a minute and ensures your policy stays automatically updated and compliant.

= Q2: Where do I find my Policy ID? =

After setting up your privacy policy in your Usercentrics dashboard, you'll find your Policy ID under your generated policy details. It looks like this: 2b3a23a0-94de-49c1-8bb2-0a4a847dd425. Copy and paste it into the plugin settings in WordPress.

= Q3: Can I customize the privacy policy text? =

Yes, customization happens directly in your Usercentrics dashboard. Any edits you make — such as company name, contact info, or policy sections — are instantly reflected on your WordPress site. You always stay in full control of your content.

= Q4: Does this plugin work with page builders? =

Absolutely. It's fully compatible with all major WordPress page builders, including Elementor, Divi, Gutenberg, Beaver Builder, and others. No extra configuration needed.

= Q5: Is this plugin GDPR compliant? =

Yes. The plugin displays a policy generated through the Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator, which follows GDPR, CCPA, and global data protection standards. Final compliance depends on your specific settings and website practices.

= Q6: How is this different from other privacy policy plugins? =

Most plugins create a static policy you have to update manually. This plugin connects directly to Usercentrics — a professional consent and privacy platform — so your policy updates automatically whenever laws change. You never have to worry about outdated text.

= Q7: Do I need coding skills to use this? =

Not at all. Installation takes less than two minutes — install, paste your Policy ID, select a page, and publish. The plugin handles everything automatically in the background.

= Q8: Will this slow down my website? =

No. The plugin is lightweight (under 100KB) and built with performance in mind. It loads policy content asynchronously, so it won't affect your site's speed or Core Web Vitals.

= Q9: Does it work with my theme? =

Yes. It works seamlessly with all WordPress themes, from custom builds to popular frameworks, without requiring any code adjustments.

= Q10: Can I use this on multiple websites? =

Yes. You can install the plugin on as many WordPress sites as you manage. Each site will simply need its own Policy ID to ensure the correct privacy policy content displays.

= Q11: What languages are supported? =

Your privacy policy can be generated in multiple languages — English, German, Italian, and Dutch. The plugin automatically detects the visitor's browser language and displays the correct version when available.

= Q12: Do I need a Usercentrics CMP subscription? =

No. The Privacy Policy Generator works independently of the Usercentrics Consent Management Platform (CMP). You can use this plugin for free, whether or not you're using the CMP.

= Q13: How do I update my privacy policy? =

You don't need to update it manually. Whenever you make changes in your Usercentrics dashboard — or when laws change — the updates appear automatically on your WordPress site.

= Q14: Can I preview the policy before publishing? =

Yes. You can preview your privacy policy in WordPress before publishing it live. This ensures everything looks right and matches your site's style.

= Q15: What happens if I deactivate the plugin? =

Your WordPress page content remains untouched. If you deactivate the plugin, your site simply reverts to its original content — no data or settings are lost.

= Q16: Is my data secure? =

Yes. The plugin follows WordPress security best practices. It only communicates securely with Usercentrics servers to retrieve your policy text. No personal or user data is collected, stored, or shared.

== Screenshots ==

1. Welcome screen with video tutorial
2. Simple settings page - just two fields
3. Privacy policy displayed on selected page
4. Mobile-responsive display

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.1 =
* Improved tracking when users reach the dashboard from the Usercentrics CMP plugin (create account button uses content-distribution UTM when ppg_ref=content-distribution is present).
* Tested up to WordPress 6.9.1.

= 1.0.0 =
* Initial release
* Simple 2-step setup: Connect Policy ID and publish to page
* Automatic privacy policy display on selected page
* Multi-language support via browser language detection
* Works with all WordPress themes and page builders
* Performance optimized with lazy loading
* WordPress Coding Standards compliant
* Secure integration with Usercentrics platform
* Preview functionality before publishing
* Editor integration for seamless content management

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0.1 =
Improved tracking for users coming from the Usercentrics CMP plugin. No functional change for end users.

= 1.0.0 =
Initial release of Usercentrics Privacy Policy Generator. The easiest way to add a GDPR-compliant privacy policy to your WordPress site.

