=== Icegram Cookie Manager - GDPR Cookie Consent Plugin (Fast, Free & Easy) ===
Contributors: icegram, niravmehta, sandhyam  
Tags: cookie consent, GDPR cookie consent, cookie banner, cookie notice, CCPA, WordPress cookie plugin, privacy policy
Requires at least: 5.0  
Tested up to: 6.8  
Requires PHP: 7.0  
Stable tag: 1.0.4
License: GPL-2.0+  
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.txt  

A fast, free WordPress cookie consent plugin to add a GDPR and CCPA cookie banner without slowing your site or adding complexity.

== Description ==  
Icegram Cookie Manager is a lightweight **WordPress cookie consent plugin** that helps you add a **GDPR, CCPA, and ePrivacy cookie banner** in minutes, without slowing down your site.

Install it, customize your message, and hit save. Done.
Your visitors are informed. Your site stays compliant. You get back to what matters.

No SaaS. No monthly fees. No complicated setup. Just a simple, effective cookie notice that works.

Built for sites that want compliance handled without slowing down performance.

Part of the Icegram family - trusted by 100,000+ WordPress users worldwide. Same team. Same quality. Same commitment to building tools that actually do what they promise.

***Cookie compliance shouldn’t give you a headache.***

### ⚡ Why Choose Icegram Cookie Manager?

- **Lightweight and fast.** Minimal JavaScript. No external requests. No impact on performance or Core Web Vitals.
- **It's genuinely easy to set up.** No developer needed. No confusing menus. You can go from Install → Activate → Live banner in under 5 minutes.
- **It actually looks good.** Pick your colors, write your message in your own voice and match your brand. The banner blends naturally into your site; it doesn't scream "legal obligation slapped on at the last minute."
- **Visitors get real control.** Since v1.0.2, visitors can review and set their own cookie preferences before giving consent — giving them transparency and giving you stronger compliance coverage.
- **Compliance-ready:** Supports GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and ePrivacy requirements.
- **Completely free:** No premium version, no feature restrictions, no subscriptions.
- Fully compatible with modern WordPress versions.

### Icegram Cookie Manager handles the core requirements most WordPress sites have:

- Display a compliant cookie consent banner
- Allow users to accept or manage cookies
- Keep the banner visible until action
- Link to your privacy policy
- Work with analytics, ads, and embedded content
- No extra setup. No additional tools required.


== Features ==  

### Banner customization 

* Custom cookie message
* Editable button text
* Top or bottom placement
* Custom colors (background, text, button)
* Mobile responsive

### Consent management 

* Cookie preference controls
* Privacy policy linking
* Persistent banner until user action

### Performance

* Lightweight code
* No external API calls
* No SaaS dependency

### Compatibility

* WordPress 5.0+
* Tested up to 6.8.5
* PHP 7.0+

### Do you need a cookie consent plugin? 
Certainly, yes. If your site uses any of the following, you're using cookies and your visitors have a legal right to know:

* Google Analytics, GA4, or any analytics tool
* Facebook Pixel or advertising/retargeting scripts
* Embedded YouTube or Vimeo videos
* WooCommerce or any cart/checkout functionality
* Any third-party widget, chat tool, or social sharing button

### Compliance support

Icegram Cookie Manager helps you meet notice and transparency requirements under:

* GDPR (EU & UK)
* CCPA / CPRA (California, US)
* ePrivacy Directive (EU cookie law)
* PECR (UK)

ℹ️Note: This plugin helps display cookie notices and collect consent. It does not provide legal advice.

### Who is this plugin for? 

* Bloggers
* Small business owners
* WooCommerce store owners
* Developers and agencies
* Any website using cookies

### Built by the team behind Icegram plugins used on 100,000+ WordPress sites.

Icegram Cookie Manager is built by the same team behind:

* [Icegram Express](https://wordpress.org/plugins/email-subscribers/): Email marketing, newsletters & automation.
* [Icegram Engage](https://wordpress.org/plugins/icegram/): Popups, CTAs & lead generation.
* [Icegram Collect](https://wordpress.org/plugins/icegram-rainmaker/): Forms & lead capture.
* [Icegram Mailer](https://wordpress.org/plugins/icegram-mailer/):  Reliable email delivery for WordPress

We've been building WordPress tools for 10+ years. We know what site owners actually need and what they don't.


== Installation ==  

1. Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for "Icegram Cookie Manager".
3. Click Install Now and Activate.
4. Navigate to Settings > Icegram Cookie Manager.
5. Add your cookie message.
6. Customize button text, colors, and privacy policy link.
7. Save settings.

Your cookie banner is now live.  

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= 1. What is a cookie consent plugin? =

A cookie consent plugin displays a notice on your website informing visitors about cookies and allowing them to accept or manage their preferences. It helps websites comply with privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and ePrivacy.

= 2. Do I need a cookie consent plugin for WordPress? =

Yes. If your site uses cookies, you need a cookie consent plugin to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws.

= 3. Will this slow down my website? =

No. Icegram Cookie Manager is built specifically to be lightweight. It adds minimal JavaScript, makes no external server requests, and loads no third-party fonts or CDN files. It will not impact your PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Core Web Vitals scores.

= 4. Can I write my own cookie notice message? =

Absolutely. You write the message — we just display it. Make it match your voice, your brand, and your audience. Clear, plain-language notices tend to get better acceptance rates than jargon-heavy legal text anyway.

= 5. Can I customize the cookie banner? =

Yes. You can change text, colors, and placement.

= 6. Can visitors manage their own cookie preferences? =

Yes! Since version 1.0.2, visitors can click to review and set their cookie preferences before giving consent. This gives your users genuine control and helps you demonstrate stronger compliance under GDPR's consent requirements.

= 7. Is this plugin free? =
Yes. All features are free.

= 8. Where does the banner appear? =

You can choose the top or bottom of the page. Set it wherever it works best for your site design.

= 9. Does it work with the latest WordPress version? =

Yes. Tested up to WordPress 6.9.

= 10. Where can I get help if I run into an issue? =

Head over to the [Support Forum](https://www.icegram.com/contact/) - the team is there to help.


== Changelog ==
= 1.0.4 =
* New: Added support for Google Consent Mode v2

= 1.0.3 =  

* Fix: Small fixes.

= 1.0.2 =  
* Improvement: Added option for users to customize cookie preferences before giving consent.

= 1.0.1 =  
* Improvement: Added style customization options for cookie banner

= 1.0.0 =  
* Initial release.
