=== MID GeoShield Access Manager ===
Contributors: midexigner
Tags: country block, geo block, ip block, security, restriction
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 1.0
Requires PHP: 7.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Easily block visitors from selected countries with geo-based restrictions and an admin settings page.

== Description ==

GeoShield Access Manager allows you to easily block visitors from specific countries.  
You can add or remove multiple countries from the WordPress backend.  
If a visitor belongs to a blocked country, the plugin displays a dynamic block page saying:

**"Your country (XX) is blocked from viewing this website."**

This plugin works with a lightweight IP lookup API and includes:

* Admin settings menu: **Blocked Countries**
* Add unlimited country codes (ISO format)
* Remove countries dynamically
* Frontend blocking of selected countries
* Custom block message page (auto-generated)
* No theme files required
* No coding skills needed

Perfect for website owners who want to control traffic based on location.

== Features ==

* Block users by country
* Easy backend interface for adding/removing countries
* Uses free IP geolocation service (ip-api.com)
* Automatically generates a block page with a friendly message
* Does not affect admin dashboard access
* Simple, clean, and lightweight (Hello Dolly style)

== Installation ==

1. Upload the plugin folder `geo-country-access-manager` to `/wp-content/plugins/`
2. Activate the plugin through the **Plugins** menu in WordPress
3. Go to **Blocked Countries** in the admin menu
4. Add the ISO country codes you want to block (e.g., IN, PK, CN)
5. Save changes — done!

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= 1. How do I block a country? =  
Go to **Blocked Countries** → Add the ISO code → Save.

= 2. Does this plugin slow down my website? =  
No — it uses a lightweight API and runs efficiently during page load.

= 3. Can I customize the block page? =  
Yes! The block page is generated dynamically. You can modify the template inside the plugin.

= 4. Does this plugin block admin area access? =  
No. Only frontend visitors are blocked.

= 5. Do I need an API key? =  
No — ip-api.com works without a key.


== External Services ==

This plugin uses a third-party IP geolocation service to detect the visitor's country
in order to apply country-based access restrictions.

Service used:
ip-api.com (https://ip-api.com)

What data is sent:
The visitor's IP address is sent to the service when a page is loaded.

When data is sent:
Only when country-based access rules are enabled.

Why data is sent:
To determine the visitor’s country for access control purposes.

Service terms and privacy policy:
https://ip-api.com/docs/legal

== Changelog ==

= 1.0 =
* Initial release
* Admin settings page added
* Country list fields added
* Frontend block system implemented
* Dynamic block page added

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.0 =
First stable version. Includes admin settings, multiple country blocks, and dynamic block page.