When you think about it, the three major Operating System's (Linux, MacOS and Windows) come down to one person/entity that controls them. No matter which Operating System you use, you are relying on a single person/entity to update/maintain your platform.
Linus Torvalds contols the Linux kernel.
Microsoft Corp. controls Windows.
Apple Computer, Inc. controls MacOS.
If the person/entity who governs the core of your OS falls off the face of the Earth, at least with Linux we all have the source code for the kernel and can take over where Linus left off. But then again how often does a giant fall of the face of the Earth???
My main point is that we all rely heavily on the person/entity that controls which ever OS we use everyday.