The free app is available on Apple's App Store and Google Play in the US

They have to swipe their finger across it to reveal the hidden image or GIF

Recipients have no idea who a message is from, and see a pixelated view

Anyone with a mobile number can send and receive a Ruffle message

Risqué sexts may seem like a good idea at the time but they invariably come back to haunt their creators.

Now there's a new way to regret your actions in the form of a messaging app called Ruffle that lets you send anonymous photos to any phone number.

Recipients of a Ruffle, which can take the form of a photo or GIF, have no idea who it is from - but can still send a reply or forward it on if they choose to.

There is now a new way to regret drunken actions in the form of a messaging app called Ruffle. The free app lets you send anonymous photos to any phone number (pictured left and example of a message, right)

While the app may be intended for surprises, and could allow people to reveal the object of their affections, for example, it could also be used to send unwelcome X-rated photos.

The free app is currently available on Google Play and Apple's App Store, in the US only for the time being.

That said, it is possible to send messages to any mobile number, anywhere in the world.

The app's home screen shows any Ruffles received and allows users to reply to them or compose their own.

RUFFLE'S USER POLICY When a user receives a Ruffle, they first see a heavily pixelated version of an image. To reveal it, they simply have to swipe their finger across the phone screen to show the hidden image Because it is revealed gradually, it gives users to chance to stop if they think the image is something they would rather not see. They can swipe left to report a rude image and block the sender. The app lets users 'Ruffle' any of the contacts stored in their phone, regardless of whether a friend has downloaded the app or not. But it doesn't just apply to friends. The app will let users 'Ruffle' anyone with a mobile number. It is only possible to send one SMS to any one phone number so anyone who doesn't reply won't be bothered again. Advertisement

It lets users 'Ruffle' any of the contacts stored in their phone, regardless of whether a friend has downloaded the app or not.

But it doesn't just apply to friends. The app will also let users 'Ruffle' anyone with a mobile number.

The service is anonymous because a SMS notification is sent from Ruffle, not the sender's number.

When a user receives a Ruffle, they first see a heavily pixelated version of an image.

To reveal it, they simply have to swipe their finger across the phone screen to show the hidden image

Because it is revealed gradually, it gives users to chance to stop if they think the image is something they would rather not see.

They can swipe left to report a rude image and block the sender.

Users can send their own photos or in fact any from the web, allowing them to 'rickroll' each other anonymously, for example, or send others with funny or unsuitable images.

However, the app's Brisbane-based founders, Nick Drewe and Matt Way said users can't spam each other.

When a user receives a Ruffle, they first see a heavily pixelated version of an image (example left). To reveal it, users swipe their finger across the phone screen to show the true photo (right). Because this happens gradually, it gives users to chance to stop if they think the image is something they would rather not see

Users are only able to send one SMS to any one phone number so anyone who doesn't reply won't be bothered again.

Because every Ruffle is anonymous, original users of the app don't know who has replied to their Ruffle, which has the potential for fun.

Unlike Snapchat, Ruffles do not disappear automatically and can be forwarded, meaning there is the potential for overly personal photos to easily find their way into undesired recipients' hands.