=== AIbender ArticleVault ===

Contributors: aibender
Tags: paywall, content protection, stripe, monetization, articles
Requires at least: 6.5
Tested up to: 7.0
Requires PHP: 8.1
Stable tag: 1.0.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Sell access to individual premium articles through secure Stripe Checkout without requiring customer accounts.

== Description ==

ArticleVault is a lightweight WordPress paywall plugin for publishers, bloggers, creators, and businesses that want to sell individual articles rather than full memberships.

Readers purchase through Stripe Checkout. ArticleVault validates the completed transaction, records the purchase, and grants browser-based access using a secure token.

Features:

* Stripe Checkout integration
* Guest checkout
* Individual article purchases
* Signed Stripe webhook verification
* Pending and paid purchase records
* Duplicate webhook and purchase protection
* Secure hashed access tokens
* HttpOnly access cookies
* Purchases search, sorting, and pagination
* Responsive paywall 
* Loading and double-click protection
* Payment success and cancellation pages

ArticleVault currently supports USD payments only.

== Installation ==

1. Upload the `articlevault` folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`, or install the release ZIP from Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
2. Activate ArticleVault.
3. Open ArticleVault > Settings.
4. Select Stripe test or live mode and enter the matching API keys.
5. Add the displayed webhook endpoint to Stripe and enter its signing secret.
6. Set the default article price.
7. Wrap premium article content in `[articlevault]...[/articlevault]`.
8. Complete a Stripe test purchase before enabling live mode.

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does ArticleVault require WooCommerce? =

No. It communicates directly with Stripe Checkout.

= Do readers need WordPress accounts? =

No. Guest checkout is supported.

= Which currency is supported? =

Version 1.0.0 supports USD only.

= Is purchase data deleted when the plugin is uninstalled? =

= Is purchase data deleted when the plugin is uninstalled? =

No.

ArticleVault retains plugin settings and purchase records when uninstalled to help prevent accidental loss of payment history.

If you need complete data removal, delete the database records manually or use a future data-removal option if available.

== Screenshots ==

1. Article paywall displayed on the front end.
2. Plugin settings page.
3. Stripe configuration.
4. Appearance customisation.
5. Purchases administration screen.

== External Services ==

This plugin connects to Stripe to process payments.

It sends payment-related information to Stripe only when a customer initiates a purchase through Stripe Checkout.

Information sent may include:

* Purchase amount
* Currency
* Article identifier
* Checkout session information
* Customer email address (entered during checkout)

This information is required to securely process payments and verify completed transactions.

Stripe Terms of Service:
https://stripe.com/legal

Stripe Privacy Policy:
https://stripe.com/privacy

== Changelog ==

= 1.0.0 =
* First public release of AIbender ArticleVault.
* Simplified the Free settings page to essential paywall controls.
* Added fixed default paywall styling for the Free edition.
* Fixed Stripe Checkout redirects for guest purchases.
* General stability and release preparation improvements.

= 0.6.7 =
* Refreshed the admin dashboard with AIbender branding.
* Added plugin newsletter signup.
* Added quick links to website, documentation and support.
* Improved dashboard usability and status information.
* General maintenance and code cleanup.
* Standardized asset versioning using Constants::VERSION.

= 0.6.6 =
* Improved Stripe Checkout security and webhook validation.
* Added secure purchase validation and duplicate protection.
* Improved purchase management and reliability.
* Enhanced frontend loading and payment flow.
* General stability improvements.