Start with the evidence
Google canonical URL guidance asks sites to consolidate duplicate URL signals instead of splitting the same content across variants.
When one task page has both .html and extensionless versions, searchers and agents may enter different paths. Canonical, internal links, sitemap, and redirects should agree.
Traffic is not the whole answer
The signal matters when it clarifies search intent, proof, and conversion action, not when it adds another traffic tactic.
Check the page promise
- Check about, resources, topic pages, and latest daily pages so canonical, internal links, and sitemap point to the same primary URL
- Keep the test narrow: one priority page with clear topic, source links, internal links, and a conversion action
What still needs proof
Duplicate entries split search signals and encourage agents to save or reuse stale addresses. Keep the original source open so the announcement, the evidence, and this site's interpretation stay separate.