Washington's crackdown on Google is the greatest threat yet to big tech

The justice department brought antitrust charges against the company, but experts say that's just a start

For decades, companies like Google have enjoyed exponential growth and an almost unobstructed rise to power. But the tide appears to be turning, as US lawmakers crack down on alleged monopolistic practices and public sentiment sours on the former wunderkinder of Silicon Valley.

Antitrust charges brought against Google on Tuesday by the US justice department mark the latest - and most significant - legal challenge yet for big tech.