Apple CEO Tim Cook just took a not-so-subtle shot at Facebook's decision to create a cryptocurrency, saying companies 'shouldn't be looking to gain power this way'

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• Apple does not plan to create a cryptocurrency any time soon, CEO Tim Cook said.
• Facebook has announced plans to release a cryptocurrency in June 2020.
• Cook, taking a not-so-subtle shot at Facebook, said he thinks making a cryptocurrency is an inappropriate way for a private company to gain power.
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Tim Cook took a not-so-subtle shot at Facebook in an interview published Thursday.

Cook said Apple will not launch a cryptocurrency to compete with other tech giants who are doing the same.

There's a limit to what private companies should attempt, according to Cook - and he believes creating a new currency crosses that line.

"I really think that a currency should stay in the hands of countries. I'm not comfortable with the idea of a private group setting up a competing currency," he said in an interview with Les Echos.

Facebook announced in July that it will create a new cryptocurrency called Libra through a partnership with more than two dozen other companies. Libra is set to roll out by June 2020, but has already been met with scrutiny from regulators and privacy advocates still reeling from the social network's recent scandals. Some lawmakers have even called on Facebook to halt its work on the cryptocurrency altogether.

By contrast, Cook framed the creation of new cryptocurrencies as a step too far for massive tech companies.

"A private company shouldn't be looking to gain power this way," he said.

In the past, Apple has appeared open to entering the cryptocurrency space. Jennifer Bailey, vice president of Apple Pay, told CNN in September that Apple was "watching cryptocurrency," adding that "We think it has interesting long-term potential."

Facebook was not immediately available for comment on Cook's remarks. Business Insider has reached out to Apple as well for any additional comment.