If a customer cannot delete a recorded program, what might be the cause?

When considering the scenario where a customer is unable to delete a recorded program, the situation could specifically involve the possibility that the program is actively being accessed on another device. If the program is currently being played or streamed from a different device within the same network or by the same account, it may be locked or marked as in use. This can prevent deletion because many systems are designed to protect content that is currently being viewed, ensuring that the ongoing playback experience remains uninterrupted.

In contrast, while other options mention potential issues such as full storage, device malfunctions, or user permission restrictions, these do not specifically address the scenario where active play on another device could lead to a prohibition against deletion. If the storage were full, the issue would likely be addressed by the system suggesting or initiating the deletion of other less critical files. Device malfunctions would usually manifest as broader issues affecting functionality rather than solely impacting the ability to delete a specific program. User permission restrictions would indicate a more systemic access issue rather than being linked to current playback actions.

Therefore, the correct answer relates directly to the ongoing usage context of the recorded program, which can indeed restrict the user's ability to delete it while it is being viewed elsewhere.