I don't think decency has anything to do with it. Profits are king that everyone bows to. I can see a management meeting where inevitably someone throws the idea of webcam surveillance into the rink. After all it is simple to understand, it "makes sense", (micro)managers will really enjoy it. So it will pass with flying colors.

And as they say, the rest is history. Good workers will eventually leave. Some will adapt. Software and hacks will appear that can trick key presses and mouse clicks. Eveyone will become 9 to 5 no matter what.

I see some examples brought up where developers are not putting up with it - that is correct. For developers, typing <> productivity, so that will not stick. But there are other occupations around - admin work, marketing, data entry, HR, etc... Productivity in those occupations will dip, some people will leave, but in larger scope work will continue. Companies will compensate by hiring more people, it won't be visible on a balance sheet as "survelliance tax" because no one is tracking. And the world will go on. Worse off than before, unfortunately.

Basecamp is a decent company and is actively blocking this effort: https://m.signalvnoise.com/employee-surveillance-software-is...