AI is created by big tech stealing other people's data. Yes, this has everything to do with AI - stealing data is a foundational feature of the technology.
There currently is no path towards profitability, it's just a question of whether you can grab funding before it dries up.
Viable AI companies will one get to profit. Firms layoff qualified people because AI is much cheaper. Now there's no easy turning back, so if AI service increase prices by 50%, well you don't have option.