As big tech pushes AI spending to the max, you may be helping to pay for it

To join the CNBC Technology Executive Council, go to cnbccouncils.com/tec

As the tech industry's giants race to build out AI infrastructure — Microsoft

spent $34.9 billion in just one quarter while Meta

plans to spend up to $72 billion this year — they may not be the only ones footing the multi-hundred-billion-dollar bill.

The consumer is increasingly facing AI-soaked subscription tiers as tech firms attempt to monetize their huge investments and bundle their software offerings with difficult-to-separate-out AI tools that can make it tough for customers to opt out — and more expensive if they don't.