Bitcoin

I have been interested in getting into small amounts of Bitcoin for a while now and finally decided to begin today. Looking at exchanges I was going to settle on Coinbase but so far they want my phone number; drivers license info; address; and who knows what else if I get past that. Is this normal ? I feel like it's going to want to a DNA swab next and I haven't even gotten to make a single trade yet. I'm in Canada if that matters.