German police software can ID neo-Nazi music

German police say they have developed software that can automatically identify banned neo-Nazi music.

Certain extremist music is banned for public sale or performance in Germany, but the far-right still regularly attempts to skirt the regulations with concerts to attract and recruit young people.

Saxony police spokeswoman Kathlen Zink said Tuesday the new software will help officers determine if the music played or sold at such concerts matches banned songs.

The "Digital Audio Fingerprint" software has been likened to smartphone app Shazam that can tell users what music they're listening to based upon a short sample.

Zink says the program can also be used to analyze seized recordings and Internet radio stations.

Its database would cover all tracks banned in Germany, not just those by far-right groups.

© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.